One of the most unknown spots on the CN Michigan Division, to both railfans and even employees is Belanger, also known as "Short Cut". The reason for this is that it is not controlled by CN, but rather Transtar, the company that owns the Delray Connecting Railroad. Belanger is on the north end of the CN Flat Rock Sub, and the last spot that CN maintains, and from there is all maintained and operated by Transtar, which includes 3 movable bridges over the Detroit and Rouge Rivers. The majority of traffic on this part of the railroad is hot metal bottle trains, running in between the island and the mill. The area is heavily patrolled by US Steel security, and they are less than welcoming to "outsiders." Fortunately, I am behind their empty threat sign and am armed with a company ID that says CN Railroad, so, as far as I am concerned, I'm going to enjoy this short little bottle train as it heads south to the mill and say "well, I am behind your sign, aren't I?
