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Great Lakes Central Railroad: Preserving Service In Michigan

The Great Lakes Central Railroad (GLC) is a prominent regional freight railroad that operates in the heart of Michigan.

Stemming from a rich history of rail transport in the United States, this railroad serves as a vital artery for the economy and communities it traverses.

Established in 2006, the GLC was born out of the remnants of the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway, inheriting both its routes and its mission to maintain essential rail service in the region.

Great Lakes Central GP38-2s #396 and #395 have the 'Cadillac South Turn' rolling through Marion, Michigan on August 18, 2023. Doug Kroll photo.

History

The history of the Great Lakes Central begins with the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay Railway, incorporated on April 26, 1977 to operate, under contract, lines acquired by the Michigan Department of Transportation to maintain rail service throughtout the state's central and northern region.

Initially these lines included three former Conrail corridor: 

• Bay City branch between Millington, Michigan, and Munger, Michigan

• Caro Branch between Vassar, Michigan, and Colling, Michigan

• Saginaw branch between Vassar and Richville, Michigan

In 1981 it grew again by acquiring 9.5 miles of ex-Grand Trunk Western trackage between Richville and Harger.

By October 1982, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) had chosen TSBY to take over operations from the Michigan Interstate Railway on two additional lines.

This included the Ann Arbor Railroad main line, linking Ann Arbor and Alma, Michigan, and another segment of the Saginaw branch running from Owosso to Swan Creek, close to Saginaw, Michigan. In May 1984, the remaining section of the former Ann Arbor main line that had been managed by Michigan Northern Railway was transferred to TSBY, with the rest of the Michigan Northern's state-owned lines following suit in October 1984.

This expansion included the section of the old Grand Rapids and Indiana Railway main line that ran between Reed City and Petoskey, and the GR&I Traverse City branch stretching from Traverse City to Walton.

It also covered segments of the former Pere Marquette Railway, from Grawn to Williamsburg via Traverse City, and between Charlevoix and Bay View near Petoskey.

Notably, in August of the previous year, TSBY acquired a 12-mile stretch of the Greenville Subdivision between Ashley and Middleton from the Grand Trunk Western. Altogether, by the end of 1984, TSBY held 21.5 miles of track outright and operated an additional 472.5 miles.

The line between Charlevoix and Bay View saw its contract conclude in 1988, and by 1991, the state had abandoned it. The train ferry service at the northern tip of what used to be the Ann Arbor line ceased in 1982, making the line unusable beyond Yuma.

By 1991, Huron and Eastern Railway took over as the operator on TSBY's original lines around Vassar. Correspondingly, TSBY transferred the 9.5 miles of the Saginaw branch from Richville to Harger to Huron and Eastern.

In that same year, the state also abandoned the segment of the GR&I's main line between Cadillac and Comstock Park, along with the Saginaw branch between Chesaning and St. Charles.

In May, 2006 Federated Railways acquired the Tuscola & Saginaw Bay, renaming it as the Great Lakes Central.

Present Day

The Great Lakes Central operates over approximately 420 miles of track. It primarily runs through the picturesque landscapes of Michigan's lower peninsula, connecting rural and urban areas alike. Major cities on its route include Ann Arbor to the south, with reach extending up to Petoskey in the north, while also including key towns such as Owosso and Cadillac along the way.

One of GLC's notable features is its role in serving diverse industrial sectors. The railroad primarily transports agricultural products—reflecting Michigan's rich farming industry—and handles other commodities such as chemicals, forest products, and manufactured goods.

Its service is particularly crucial during Michigan's bountiful harvest seasons, facilitating the movement of products like corn, soybeans, and sugar beets.

The GLC is a critical economic lifeline for many of the smaller communities it connects, offering businesses in these areas an efficient and cost-effective means of transporting goods. By serving as a bridge between manufacturers and larger national rail networks, the Great Lakes Central plays an integral role in ensuring these local businesses can compete effectively in broader markets.

Technologically, the GLC has embraced advancements to improve its efficiency and service reliability. Modern locomotives, upgraded tracks, and improved logistical systems enable it to meet the demands of its clients promptly and sustainably. Furthermore, the GLC's commitment to maintaining its infrastructure ensures safe and reliable operations across all its routes.

In addition to freight services, the Great Lakes Central Railroad has explored the potential for passenger services. Historically, this has included collaborations with various organizations to provide seasonal excursions, which allow residents and tourists alike to savor Michigan's scenic beauty from a vintage railcar perspective. These excursions not only offer a nostalgic journey through Michigan's landscapes but also contribute to local tourism, providing another revenue stream and supporting community engagement.

The ownership of the Great Lakes Central Railroad has remained steadfast in its focus on community and connectivity. Under the umbrella of Federated Railways, Inc, the GLC emphasizes sustainable growth, balancing modernity with tradition. This approach ensures that the railroad continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers while upholding its historical responsibilities as a local economic enabler.

Diesel Roster

Great Lakes Central GP35s #390 and #393 - former Ann Arbor units still sporting their trade-in AAR Type B trucks - layover outside the shops at Owosso, Michigan on August 23, 2013. Doug Kroll photo.

In conclusion, the Great Lakes Central Railroad is a vital piece of Michigan's infrastructure, embodying both the historical significance and future potential of regional railroads.

Its operation not only supports the state's economic activities but also preserves an important mode of transport.

With ongoing investments in infrastructure and services, GLC looks poised to maintain its role as a key player in the regional transportation network for years to come, continuing to connect communities and facilitate industries across the Great Lakes region.