Dearborn dedicates new rail station named for Dingell

Dearborn — Federal, state, and local officials officially opened the city’s new train station Monday, dedicating the $28.2 million, federally-funded facility named for retiring U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn.

The 16,000-square-foot John D. Dingell Transit Center, on Michigan Avenue west of the Southfield Freeway, replaces a smaller, 35-year-old station. Six daily trains on Amtrak’s Wolverine Line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago, use the station.

Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. saluted Dingell, saying the congressman “was always an advocate for this project, and at a real critical juncture facilitated its progress.”

Dingell, 88, who is hospitalized after injuring his hip in a recent fall, was represented at the ceremony by his wife, Debbie Dingell, who was elected last month to replace him in Congress after 59 years. Dingell Tweeted Monday he is “Feeling well & on the mend.” He added he was stuck in the hospital but “Thankful for prayers & well wishes.”

Others participating in the dedication includes officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation.