The Manistee County Safer Southern Rail Route Project Virtual Open House

The Manistee County Safer Southern Rail Route Study responds to traffic delays and safety concerns due to the lack of a railway connection south of Manistee Lake. Manistee County studied potential southern rail route alternatives. The Bridge Across the Lake alternative is anticipated to be the least impactful. One of which would consist of a bridge across Manistee Lake and the other two would consist of a bridge around the southern bank of the lake over the wetlands. Conceptual plans and cost estimates for these alternatives have been developed and are being submitted to the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) and the railroad owner and operator, CSX and Marquette Rail, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the Study, Manistee County will apply for another Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant. Once that funding is secured, the approximately two-year Project Development and Design process will begin. The Construction Project is anticipated to take two additional years to complete. The implementation time-frame is currently unknown.

Manistee County was awarded $530,000 from the FRA in 2022. 80% came from FRA with a 20% local match from Manistee County and the Community Foundation. Funding for the Design Project will largely come from another FRA grant and funding for construction will come from an FRA grant and potentially Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The Bridge Across Manistee Lake alternative will not impact residential properties since it would connect through industrial and commercial areas in Stronach Township and Filer City.

Yes. Manistee County is fortunate to have 21% of its industrial-based economy supported by rail. There are six companies located in the southern Manistee Lake area that rely on rail to deliver and ship freight. Rail moves 17% of Michigan's industrial goods, providing competitive pricing and environmentally sound transportation alternatives, and allows manufacturers flexibility for inbound and outbound goods.

Yes. FRA annually provides the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant to balance safety and railroad needs. Implementation of an alternative southern rail route would eliminate at least 5 at-grade crossings.

The alternative routes would eliminate the need for the freight trains to route around Manistee Lake and the switch-yards and cross three aging bridges over the Manistee River. A direct route in the southern portion of Manistee Lake, where the industrial rail customers are located, will enable the industries to control the rail cars on their properties, eliminating the need for extra railroad or staging cars.

Through coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers, Manistee County was informed that no large commercial ships or charter vessels operate in the southern portion of Manistee Lake. Therefore, the U.S. Coast Guard has indicated a willingness to work with the County to permit a bridge that would provide sufficient clearance for personal watercraft at highwater levels.

Manistee County is leading this effort. They have hired a consulting firm, HDR, and a grant administrator to support the project planning and development stages. These stages include coordination with the public and with local municipal and business stakeholders. The County will also manage the project implementation.

Yes. Public engagement is paramount to Manistee County. As such, there will be additional engagement opportunities in the preliminary design, final design, and construction stages. Additionally, County leaders will continue to meet with municipalities, the railroad, industries, and other stakeholders.