advertisement

---

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will not need Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval to acquire a portion of a southern Michigan Norfolk Southern Railway line for high-speed passenger-rail service, the STB announced today.

MDOT officials have argued that their proposal to acquire and make capital improvements on the southern Michigan line should not require STB approval because MDOT would not become a common carrier, or a freight railroad offering its transportation services to the public, as a result of the transaction. In March, MDOT requested the STB to expedite its review of MDOT’s proposal

Now, MDOT can proceed with plans to upgrade the line so Amtrak can operate Wolverine service at speeds up to 110 mph along the corridor, while NS continues to provide freight service.