Jackson drivers will want to prepare for the closure of multiple railroad crossings before venturing into the downtown area. Train crossings on Steward Avenue, N. Blackstone Street, N. Jackson Street and N. Mechanic Street are all closed for two different construction projects.
N. Jackson and N. Mechanic streets have been closed for several months already this year due to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) railroad overpass replacement effort. Work is increasing to fully replace bridges that go over the streets, bringing the closure of N. Blackstone Street between Van Buren and Trail streets. N. Blackstone closed to traffic on Monday, Aug. 7. MDOT says this closure will last through Wednesday, Aug. 16. The other streets will reopen when the bridge replacements are complete later this fall.
A construction project is also continuing on the railroad crossing at Steward Avenue. This street section between Wildwood Avenue and Trail Street has been closed since May so crews can replace a water main under the train tracks. This crossing is expected to reopen by the week of Monday, Aug. 14.
Steward is located immediately west of the three other closures, meaning four main roadways to and from Downtown Jackson will all be closed at the same time. The City of Jackson urges drivers to plan ahead and use alternate routes to get around these closures, such as taking N. MLK Drive, N. Cooper Street or N. West Avenue. Updates will be posted on the City Facebook page.
