This project will lower Farm Lane under two rail-road crossings: the Canadian National (CN) line just north of Service Road and the CSX line just north of the commuter lot (Lot 89) at the corner of Mt. Hope Road and Farm Lane.
The project includes widening Farm Lane between Mt. Hope Road and Wilson Road, and adding bike paths and pedestrian sidewalks.
The road alignment will shift to the west to avoid any impacts to the Baker Woodlot.
Other Farm Lane project improvements include:
- the creation of new detention basins
- water main relocation
- drainage improvements, including building a new pump houses
- landscaping
- the reconfiguration of the commuter lot (Lot 89)
- relocation of Incinerator Road just north of the CSX tracks
- construction of two new service drives just west of Farm Lane.
Why is the project needed?
Eliminating the current at-grade railroad crossings on Farm Lane will increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, and decrease response times for emergency vehicles. More than 1 million rail cars travel through this region each year. This could result in delays of 30 minutes or more per crossing.
Lowering Farm Lane will improve access along this main north/south route through Michigan State University's campus. And improved traffic flow will allow buses to stay on schedule.