Several railroad crossings to receive improvements

As part of Michigan Department of Transportation’s commitment to improving safety of Michigan’s transportation system, MDOT has announced recipients for the fifth annual Local Grade Crossing Surface Program.

Locations include four in St. Joseph County and two in Cass County.

Selected on a competitive basis, 37 projects were awarded a share of $3 million to fund highway-railroad grade crossing surface improvements. These projects range from minor asphalt repairs to installing new track and surface materials.

The program offers 60 percent funding for eligible projects, with railroads responsible for the remaining 40 percent of costs. All repair work is performed by the railroad company and its contractors, with cooperation for detour routes provided by the local road agencies.

St. Joseph County locations center on the Grand Elk Railroad tracks at Cotherman Lake and Moorepark roads in Park Township, Fairchild Road in Lockport Township and Featherstone Road in Constantine Township.

Cass County locations include Burney and Maple streets in the village of Marcellus.