FAQs
- Shorter travel times
- Faster emergency response (no more emergency vehicles stuck behind trains)
- Improved traffic flow along a key economic corridor
- Reduced congestion that affects nearby industries, businesses, and the Woodhaven community
- Lowering Allen Road beneath the railroad
- Construction of a new railroad bridge over the roadway
- Installation of a pump station
- Relocation of utility, water, and sewer lines to support the grade separation
- Private utility relocations are underway and will continue through Summer 2026.
- Wayne County has selected Dan's Excavating and is preparing to mobilize construction with the contractor.
- Wade Trim for Engineering Design
- HNTB for Construction Engineering
- Dan's Excavating for Construction
What is the Allen Road Grade Separation Project?
The Allen Road Grade Separation Project is a Wayne County initiative to eliminate long-standing train-related traffic delays in Woodhaven, MI by lowering Allen Road and constructing a railroad bridge overhead. This "grade separation" removes the at-grade crossing that currently blocks traffic when trains pass.
Why is this project needed?
For decades, trains entering the Canadian National (CN) Flat Rock Yard have caused traffic blockages of up to 45 minutes or more, with the average stoppage lasting over 9 minutes, adding up to more than an hour of delays per day. These delays affect commuters, school buses, deliveries, and even emergency-response vehicles.
How many vehicles use this corridor?
More than 30,000 vehicles, including 2,140 commercial trucks, travel through the Allen Road crossing daily, making it one of the busiest routes in the Downriver region.
What benefits will the project provide?
What exactly will be built?
How long will construction take?
Construction is expected to take up to three years, and will reopen to traffic before Fall 2028. There will be a full road closure and traffic detours while construction is underway.
Will Allen Road be closed during construction?
Yes, the detour routes can be found on the interactive ArcGIS map on this website. Road closures will be publicly announced in advance to help drivers plan ahead.
What is happening now?
Who is managing and overseeing the project?
The project is led by Wayne County Public Services in partnership with the City of Woodhaven and the following contractors:
Where can I get updates or learn more?
Project updates can be found directly on this website, through social media posts, and press releases.