Detroit Intermodal
Freight Terminal (DIFT)
Project
AASHTO SCOWT
October 13, 2011
Detroit Intermodal Freight
Terminal Project
 Detroit is one of the top
intermodal markets in
the nation
 Capacity of terminals
and coordination of rail
lines is inadequate
 Addresses needs of
intermodal
transportation in
southeast Michigan
Purpose
To support the economic competitiveness of
southeast Michigan and the state by improving
freight transportation opportunities and
efficiencies for business and industry.
Need
 Additional intermodal terminal capacity
 Better coordination between rail terminals
 Better interface between public road system
(primarily interstate freeways) and rail
facilities
 Efficiency of business and industry
 Better connectivity between railroads
Projected 2025 Intermodal Demand
Demand
Current
Capacity
(lifts/year)
Low
Total
596,000
High
727,000
(lifts/year)
345,000
Deficiency
(lifts/year)
251,000
to
382,000
Current
Intermodal
Terminals in
SE Michigan
DIFT Plan
● Intermodal operations of Canadian Pacific, CSX,
and Norfolk Southern will be consolidated at the
Livernois-Junction Yard in southwest Detroit
● Canadian National will continue to use its Moterm
terminal
● Improvements to 12 interlockers
● Improved highway access
Existing Livernois-Junction Yard
Key Features





Terminal construction/expansion
Interlocker improvements
Grade Separation at Central Avenue
Redesigned I-94 interchange ramps
Barrier Walls Designed to also Reduce Noise and
Visual Impacts
 Paving of Livernois-Junction Yard
 Local Road Improvements Including Sidewalks,
Streetscaping and Lighting
 Landscaped Buffer
Benefits
Permanent net jobs gained
• In terminal area: > 2,300
• Statewide: > 4,500
Construction jobs (FTEs): 620 in
peak year
Fewer long haul trucks on I-94 and
I-75
• Reduces congestion
• Reduces emissions
• Improves safety
Benefits
(continued)
 More efficient, integrated transportation system
promotes business
 Government revenue gain $1.1 billion (2008 $’s)
 Elimination of Waterman/Dix Gate at Livernois
Junction Yard
 Terminal Gates at Livernois Avenue and Wyoming
Avenue only
 Elimination of 2 at-grade railroad crossings
Summary
 Total project cost is approximately $650
million
 Existing RR property ownership remains
 New property to be purchased by MDOT at
fair market value and leased to the railroads
 Public-private partnership:
60% (government), 40% (railroad)
Current Activities
 Record of Decision (ROD) – 2010
 DIFT Development Plan
 DIFT Five Year Plan
 West Detroit Connection Project
 Milwaukee/Beaubien Interlocker
 Funding
Questions?
Larry Karnes
Freight Policy Specialist
517-373-9058
karnesl@michigan.gov