Detroit People Mover closed for 11 weeks to replace sections of original track

DETROIT (WWJ) — The Detroit People Mover is taking a pause for the next 11 weeks as it gets what officials are calling a “necessary infrastructure update.

The People Mover officially closed on Tuesday as crews begin work to replace sections of track that are original to the 37-year-old elevated railway. The project is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.

This is the third rail replacement project in the history of the People Mover, but the first involving these sections. Officials say the update will enhance safety, reliability, and longevity for the transit system, as well as make it a quieter and smoother ride.

The roughly $5 million project — funded by state and federal grants — will also include additional maintenance and improvements to stations, platforms and track work across other parts of the system.

The DPM has seen a 130% increase in ridership since fares became free at the beginning of 2024. The People Mover has become a go-to way to get around the city for Lions fans in the fall, but it will be on pause until at least the Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears

In the meantime, however, People Mover officials are hosting a series of weekly events designed to “stay engaged with the community during the necessary track replacement.

Officials say these events will ensure that downtown “continues to thrive even during this period of improvement, by focusing on events that connect with riders, providing information on construction progress and celebrating Detroit's spirit and creativity.”

The first event will be a Lions tailgate, held this Sunday, Sept. 8, from 4-7 p.m. at the Broadway Station. Officials say other tailgates will be held on Sept. 30, Oct. 27 and Nov. 17, featuring freebies, fun and games.

More info on the community events and updates on the track replacement project can be found on the People Mover website.

Earlier this summer the Detroit Transportation Corporation, which runs the People Mover, said the railway system will be getting new railcars from Toronto sometime in the next 18 months. It was not clear if any of the cars will arrive by the time the track reopens in late November.

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