MDOT’s State Rail Plan Earns National Recognition

The Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) State Rail Plan has earned a National Recognition Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards competition. The National Recognition Award is a prestigious distinction honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional achievement in engineering.

The award was recognized at an ACEC awards program in Washington, D.C., on April 17. Representatives from MDOT and its consultant, HNTB Michigan, an engineering, architectural and planning firm, were on hand to receive the award.

MDOT's State Rail Plan was created in 2011 in order to create a vision for how the state of Michigan manages and invest in rail infrastructure. It is expected to guide the future development of Michigan's rail system for both passenger and freight rail over the next 20 years. The plan provided framework for state freight and passenger rail transportation policy development, and included an inventory of the rail transportation system, services and facilities. The draft plan thoroughly vetted with the public through a series of public meetings, as well as meetings with stakeholders over a period of several months.

The State Rail Plan can be viewed online at www.michigan.gov/mirailplan.