Improving Rail Resources: The Detroit-Chicago Rail Corridor Upgrade

The Detroit-Chicago Rail Corridor was awarded federal high-speed rail designation in October, 1992. This designation was the end result of a 22-year Amtrak/State of Michigan partnership created to improve the corridor's infrastructure and performance. Portions of the corridor are now able to support train speeds of up to 110 mph due to improvements to trackage and safety devices, and the elimination of some grade crossings. Facility improvements along with the infrastructure improvements have been responsible for the nearly 170 percent increase in annual corridor ridership since 1970. The continued commitment of numerous agencies has ensured that the Detroit-Chicago Corridor is poised to take advantage of all opportunities afforded it in the future.