Construction
Crews cut and removed existing rail, lifted new rail into position, welded and smoothed joints, and measured and tested the finished track. Delta Railroad Construction led the work, supported by Collier Engineering and WSP Michigan.
2024 Track Improvement
Completed rail replacement on the People Mover’s downtown loop.
Work Completed
Construction began September 3, 2024. Following testing on November 25–26, service resumed November 27, 2024. Crews replaced worn rail on nine curves and adjoining straight sections—approximately 20% of the 2.9-mile system.
These sections had been in place for 37 years. This was the system’s third major rail-replacement project, following work in 2008 and 2016. The published construction estimate was $4.985 million, supported by federal and state grants.
Purpose
The project addressed worn track, supported the system’s state of good repair, and aimed to provide a smoother, quieter ride. The closure also provided an opportunity for other equipment and station maintenance.
Work Areas
- Beaubien and Lafayette.
- Beaubien, Macomb, and Monroe toward Randolph.
- Park, Woodward, and Washington.
- Bagley and Clifford.
- Cass and Lafayette.
- Atwater, Hart Plaza, the Riverwalk, and the M-10 / Jefferson area.
- Jefferson and Beaubien, from Randolph toward Larned.
Public Information
DTC held in-person and virtual public hearings on July 25 and July 30, 2024, before construction. The project presentation explains the rail condition, replacement process, and planned work areas.
2025 Follow-Up Maintenance
DTC’s November 2025 notice scheduled a service suspension from November 10–22 for essential track work and maintenance of systems supporting vehicle operation and rider safety. The work was intended to complete the cycle of guideway assessments and upgrades begun with the 2024 rail replacement.
The notice planned service to resume on November 23, 2025, ahead of Thanksgiving week events. This is an archived project notice; it is not a current service advisory.