Long-Awaited Allen Road Train Overpass in Woodhaven Moves Forward

Two-year road closure expected as construction begins on project to eliminate traffic backups caused by freight trains.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Wayne County is moving forward with a long-awaited project to build a train overpass on Allen Road near Van Horn in Woodhaven, Michigan. The project, first discussed in 2009, is designed to eliminate traffic backups caused by freight trains entering the Canadian National Flat Rock Yard. The plan calls for elevating the tracks along Allen Road, allowing vehicle traffic to pass underneath. While the news is welcomed by many residents, local business owners are concerned about the extended two-year road closure expected during construction.

Why it matters

The Allen Road train overpass project has been a long-standing issue for the Woodhaven community, with residents and commuters dealing with frequent traffic delays due to freight trains for over a decade. The construction project aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity in the area, but will also present challenges for local businesses during the extended road closure.

The details

The project will involve elevating the tracks along Allen Road, allowing vehicle traffic to pass underneath. Road closures on Allen Road near Van Horn are set to begin on March 23, with construction starting shortly after. Wayne County officials say the target completion date is before the end of 2028. While many residents are eager for the project to be completed, local business owner Dawn Lancaster is concerned about the impact the two-year road closure will have on her shop, Sweet Treats Station, which will be cut off from the main shopping area.

  • The idea for the Allen Road train overpass project was first discussed in 2009.
  • Road closures on Allen Road near Van Horn are set to begin on March 23, 2026.
  • Construction is expected to start shortly after the road closures begin.
  • Wayne County is targeting a completion date before the end of 2028.

The players

Wayne County

The county government overseeing the Allen Road train overpass project.

Dayo Akinyemi

Wayne County Director of Public Services, overseeing the project.

Cindy Smith

A Woodhaven resident who has experienced the traffic backups caused by freight trains.

Dawn Lancaster

Owner of Sweet Treats Station, a local business that will be impacted by the road closure during construction.

Patricia Odette

The Mayor of Woodhaven, who has been in office throughout the nearly two-decade discussion surrounding the project.

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What they’re saying

“We just got stuck, just now on our way here — we got stuck. The train was at Fort Street, Allen Road and Van Horn and we were stuck.”

— Cindy Smith, Woodhaven resident (WXYZ)

“One year would be bad but two years, three years, that's a very long time to be cut off from the main shopping area in this area.”

— Dawn Lancaster, Owner, Sweet Treats Station (WXYZ)

“Because it affects our quality of life. It also disconnects one side of the city with the other.”

— Patricia Odette, Mayor of Woodhaven (WXYZ)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This long-awaited project to build a train overpass on Allen Road in Woodhaven will improve traffic flow and connectivity in the area, but the extended road closure during construction will present significant challenges for local businesses that rely on the main commercial district.