The city of Detroit is starting to build a $4.9 million greenway and bike path that will draw a 1.2-mile line to the riverfront.

Construction on the previously announced Joseph Campau Greenway begins as Detroit seeks to connect more areas of the city to its RiverWalk. The popular pedestrian track along the Detroit River is part of a waterside district that's being converted over the years from industrial to public recreational use.

The latest trail will stretch from the intersection of East Vernor Highway and Joseph Campau Avenue on Detroit east side to the riverfront. It requires building new paths and updating existing ones that are marred by broken concrete, flooding and other issues, a city news release said.

The project cost also includes improving recreation areas and pedestrian road crossings along the route; adding benches, cameras, emergency call boxes, mile markers and more lighting; separating the path from residences using landscaping; and installing green stormwater infrastructure to cope with the flooding.

Construction is expected to finish by fall 2020, the release said. The first phase, between the RiverWalk and Robert Bradby Drive, started in May. It's being paid for with $1.9 million through the Community Development Block Grant program and $1.2 million out of bonds allocated for road improvements. The second, $1.8 million phase would start in spring, paid for through future Community Development Block Grant funds.

The Detroit General Services Department and the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will manage the Joseph Campau Greenway.

An east riverfront framework released in 2017 by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy included plans for the Joseph Campau Greenway, as well as the Beltline Greenway. The Beltline has been delayed due to difficulties acquiring or securing necessary land.