West Elm Underpass

West Elm Underpass
Posted on 06/07/2023
West Elm Underpass

The City of Monroe has been awarded a federal grant to fund the design and construction of a new underpass for West Elm Avenue. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the city $23,964,400 in federal grant funds for the design and construction of a new underpass for West Elm Avenue at the CSX railroad tracks between Huber Drive and Roessler Street on the west side of the city.  This represents a significant milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and improve transportation infrastructure.

This project will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenge of blocked railway crossings and ensure smoother traffic flow for residents, commuters and local businesses. The underpass will help to improve response times for emergency vehicles and increase safety for pedestrians and motorists in this community.

The CSX route is an important transportation link for shippers in Western Canada and the auto industry in Metro Detroit. The Monroe railroad corridor is busy with approximately 13 trains crossing through per day. With long trains traversing through, drivers and emergency response vehicles — including first responders driving to the hospital — face traffic delays with no options for local detour routes.

As the construction phases of this project begin and progress, all necessary measures will be taken to minimize disruption and inconvenience to local businesses and residents. Regular updates will be provided as the city gets closer to bringing this vision to fruition.

Work is estimated to begin in late 2026 into 2027.

Questions about this project?  Please contact our Engineering Department at 734.384.9126.

Are you frustrated by a frequently blocked rail crossing?  Find out how to report rail concerns here.
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