Transportation (Rail)

This Senate resolution designates May 13, 2026, as "Rail Day" to honor the importance of rail transportation in Michigan. The measure does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's rail network and its contributions to safety and the economy. By recognizing the industry's recent safety improvements and its role in supporting key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, the bill highlights the value of rail infrastructure to the public. Ultimately, the resolution is a commemorative gesture intended to celebrate the rail system's efficiency and safety record without altering any existing regulations.

This bill designates May 13, 2026, as Rail Day in Michigan to formally recognize the state's rail infrastructure. The resolution highlights the industry's role in supporting the economy, reducing road congestion, and maintaining safety records. It serves as a commemorative measure celebrating the contributions of freight and passenger rail systems rather than implementing new operational rules.

This bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a minimum crew of two people. It applies to all freight trains unless the train is being moved within a yard for maintenance purposes, assisting another train with mechanical issues or steep grades, or if a federal law already mandates two crew members. The law defines specific terms like 'helper service' and 'hostler service' to clarify when the two-person crew requirement does not apply. By adding a new section to the existing railroad code, the measure establishes a new standard for crew staffing on freight operations.

Senate Bill 959 requires railroads operating in Michigan to install and maintain wayside detector systems that scan trains for defects like hot wheel bearings and dragging equipment. The bill sets specific rules for how often these systems must be placed along tracks, depending on the size of the railroad, and mandates that alerts be sent immediately to train operators so they can stop or repair issues safely. It also gives the state Office of Rail the authority to investigate railroads that refuse to cooperate and requires a report on derailments caused by bearing or axle failures by the end of 2028.

HB 4656 prohibits highway officials from completely shutting down all lanes of a road during construction if it would cut off a community’s only access point or if the only alternative route is frequently blocked by railroad crossings. The bill amends Michigan law to require that such closures only occur when absolutely necessary for construction, and even then, must be temporary with work completed expediently to reopen at least partial access as soon as possible. It directly affects communities relying on single road access and highway officials managing construction projects. The key provision prevents full closures that isolate communities, while allowing temporary full shutdowns only when no feasible alternative exists for maintaining traffic flow.