Detroit People Mover Shutting Down For 2 Weeks To Replace Track

DETROIT (WWJ) - Heads up if you were planning on taking the Detroit People Mover any time soon -- it's about to shut down.

Officials say the People Mover is closing for approximately 14 days, starting at 2 a.m. Sunday, June 12, to replace a rail switch and a section of track along on the guideway.

The trackwork is necessary to keep the People Mover in a state of good repair – and to avoid service interruptions. Because the People Mover is a single-track system, it is not possible to perform special trackwork and switch replacement without a temporary system shutdown.

Crews will physically remove the worn sections of trackwork by cutting and unbolting it. The new trackwork will be fastened and welded to match the adjoining sections. Approximately 180 feet of rail is being installed.

A new switch will also be installed, which allows trains to move in left or right directions onto a track. The switch will be tested for operation and functionality with the existing train control system. When this work is complete, the system can be returned to regular service.

Passengers who use the People Mover will be able to commute throughout downtown on certain DDOT bus lines that travel within the Central Business District. For travel on any DDOT bus within the boundaries of M-10 (Lodge Expressway), I-75 (Fisher) and I-375, passengers will only pay a fare of 50 cents.

The system is expected to resume its normal operating schedule at 6:30 a.m. Monday, June 27.