LANSING — A study on running a passenger train from southeast Michigan to the Northwest Lower Peninsula is about halfway done, according to organizers.

The Groundwork Center, who is spearheading the project , is exploring the possibility of fitting an existing freight rail to also accommodate passengers.

Organizers say they hope to have the analysis done around the end of the year.

The Great Lakes Central Railroad runs from Ann Arbor, through Mt. Pleasant and Cadillac, before it diverges — one line goes toward Traverse city, while the other ends in Petoskey.

The line would also potentially connect to Detroit-area services, which include a route to Chicago.

Carolyn Ulstad, transportation program manager with the Groundwork Center, says that the goal is to run trains at 80 miles per

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