DETROIT (WXYZ) — There's no question about it – Detroit is transforming. Along with that transformation is a push to make the city more accessible to non-motorized transportation.
In 2019, there will be an "overwhelming" amount of bike and trail projects throughout the city, according to Detroit Greenways, a nonprofit organization that promotes biking, walking, tails and complete streets in Detroit.
Our list of Detroit's Top Bike & Trail Projects for 2019. Overwhelmed? You should be.https://t.co/xxbie8z3JD pic.twitter.com/4phl03CmVc
— Detroit Greenways (@DetroitGreenway) January 7, 2019
For over a decade, projects to update and expand bike lanes and trails throughout the city have been popping up. That initiative is gaining momentum in 2019, and pretty soon the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will have a host of construction projects, more than ever before.
Below is a comprehensive list of these construction projects:
- Atwater Beach near Jos Campau is under construction now and is expected to be open in September. This is going to be a very unique and popular gathering place along the Riverfront with its bridge and sandy beach (but no water access).
- The groundbreaking for the Uniroyal site should occur this year. This is the major gap between Mt. Elliott Park, Gabriel Richard Park and the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle.
- The city of Detroit expects the Jos Campau Greenway will be under construction this year. This will provide access from the Riverwalk to East Vernor along Jos Campau Avenue and on the existing public pathway. A pathway between Larned and East Jefferson will be added as well.
- On the West Riverfront, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Parkreceived $50 million in October, $40 million of which is for construction. While work continues on the park, it is not scheduled to open until Fall 2022.
- The Riverfront Connector between the Joe Louis Arena and Centennial Park was recommended for a $3 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Additional funding is required to build this trail segment along the river.
- Planning continues on the May Creek Greenway between Centennial Park and Roosevelt Park. This should get quite interesting with Ford Motor Company renovating the train station and now owning some of the property required for the trail. Their community benefits agreement includes verbal support for the greenway.
- Last but not least, the city of Detroit said they would be repaving W. Jefferson between Centennial Park and Riverside Park. This would be a major park connector. Currently the road appears war torn. This could be the most underrated project on this list.
Additional projects include the Joe Louis Greenway, several MDOT projects, Hamilton Avenue, and the Iron Belle Trail Loop.
For more updates, visit www.detroitgreenways.org.
