Trains.com

The Future of Detroit's Michigan Central Station

1852 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Saturday, March 13, 2010 2:32 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

One of the reasons that Michigan Central Station was located away from the business district was because of the grades leading to the Detroit River Tunnels.  Before dieselization, the station had an extensive third-rail electrification to go with the tunnels.

 Yes, and having lived in a Detroit Suburb, it is not that far from downtown they can extend the Peoplemover or have dedicated bus service and it's not that much of an issue.     Further, MC Station was a Station that passenger trains passed through on their way to Toronto, Ontario.     If it was built in downtown Detroit it would have impacted speed of the through trains.     The station is in a perfect position for HSR through to Canada.      All is needed is someone with vision and lots of money.

BTW,  Grand Trunk Western had a riverfront station downtown I thought for the Commuter trains.     I wonder if the tracks are still in place for that.       I think it was last used in the 1970's.

I believe the current Amtrak Detroit station in the New Center area is farther from Downtown Detroit then MC Station.     Is it not?

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Saturday, March 13, 2010 6:40 AM

One of the reasons that Michigan Central Station was located away from the business district was because of the grades leading to the Detroit River Tunnels.  Before dieselization, the station had an extensive third-rail electrification to go with the tunnels.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,112 posts
Posted by aegrotatio on Friday, March 12, 2010 7:18 PM

 Like Buffalo Central Terminal, it's another huge station built too large, too late, and too far out of town.  Amtrak abandoned these structures for good, solid reasons.  Furthermore, the lack of preservation activity while these buildings rotted says something about the city.  I noticed, also, that Michigan's Central Station's upper two floors were never used.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • 798 posts
Posted by BNSFwatcher on Monday, March 8, 2010 3:28 PM

Wow!  It would make a neat, affordable prison.  "Mo' Town" can always use one more, no?  Keep the sheets short.

Hays

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
The Future of Detroit's Michigan Central Station
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 6, 2010 10:08 AM

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy