State Rep. Jamie Thompson today said the start of a train underpass project on Allen Road in Woodhaven is welcome news for a community that has seen delays, bureaucratic red tape and wait times during their commutes for years.

“I have heard a ton from people throughout the Woodhaven area over the past few years about “that damn train” and when this was going to get started. I made it a top priority when I began serving in the Legislature to keep people informed regarding where this project stood while working to get answers and timelines on multiple holdups the project experienced,” Thompson said. “I am pleased the first phase of this project is underway. This portion of Allen Road sees thousands of vehicles per day. Having this underpass will improve response times for emergency personnel as they work throughout the community to keep people safe and save lives. It will also help with traffic congestion and ensure those trips out and about or to and from work are shorter.

“I will continue to keep people across Woodhaven updated as we go through this process.”

Thompson has been a consistent advocate for improving local infrastructure during her time in the Legislature. She recently voted for plans within House Bills 4180-87 and 4230 that provide over $3 billion each year to fix roads, including badly neglected ones from driveway to highway that people use every day, with no new taxes or additional debt. The total funding will come from existing tax dollars, including putting all taxes people already pay at Michigan gas pumps toward roads, and money from corporate handouts like the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve fund that can be more effectively used going toward priorities that a majority of people share, like having good roads.

Around 80% of the re-allocated funds would get distributed directly to local road agencies. Woodhaven alone would see a $2 million increase in funding under the proposal, among other local investments across Downriver. The plan, which received bipartisan support when it was advanced through the House, waits for action in the Senate.