Breitung Township rail crossing now exempt

A railroad crossing in Breitung Township in Dickinson County will now be signed as “exempt,” allowing trucks and buses that typically stop at the crossing to continue across the railroad tracks.

The review of the Wisconsin Central (WC) crossing, which is located on Third Street by Quinnesec in Breitung Township, was completed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Third Street runs along US-141, just east of the highway.

"We will use Third Street for a directional detour next year when we reconstruct part of US-141 just south of US-2," Mike Premo, MDOT Crystal Falls Service Center Manager, said. "The detour will last about three weeks."

The rail line connects WC and the Escanaba and Lake Superior Railway. This section of the railroad is not being used at the moment.

"The county is asking for exempt signs at the crossing so hazardous materials vehicles and school buses won't have to stop at the crossing during the detour," Harris said. "This should reduce the risk of rear-end crashes."