Questions remain on Michigan Central transit hub cost
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A view of Michigan Central from Bagley and 16th streets. Photo: Joe Guillen/Axios
The final cost of Michigan Central's proposed transit hub won't be clear until at least 2027, once the project completes its design phase.
Why it matters: The long-planned transit hub in Corktown is a key step toward modernizing Detroit's transit system and connecting the region to national and international rail networks.
- Yes, but: While the project is advancing under new leadership, the details that will determine its scope, cost and timeline remain unresolved.
Driving the news: State officials said Thursday the project is moving into preliminary engineering, environmental review and design, with a request for proposals expected this summer to select a design consultant.
Catch up quick: MDOT, the city and Michigan Central announced in October a plan to build a new multimodal transit facility at Michigan Central — the 30-acre Ford-backed development anchored by the historic train depot.
- We recently reported the Detroit Transportation Corporation, which operates the People Mover, is now leading the project.
State of play: The proposed hub would bring together rail and intercity bus service near Michigan Central, creating a central transit gateway for the region through improved connections with Chicago, Toronto and U-M.
The intrigue: While $40 million for the project has been secured, public records obtained by Axios show earlier iterations of the project costing more than $200 million.
- And earlier planning documents prepared as part of the project's environmental review outline a potential completion timeline extending to 2030.
The bottom line: MDOT spokesman Michael Frezell tells Axios that no timelines have been set beyond the project's design phase, though it remains a department priority.