DETROIT, MI -- Another barrier between the city and suburban Grosse Pointe Park has been built at Kercheval Avenue and Alter Road, only this time it appears permanent.

Concrete barriers and massive snow banks blocked cross-border traffic through much of the fall and winter, when officials said sewer repairs were being made there.

And now, a newly built, dead-end cul-de-sac has cut off the eastern portion of the intersection for good.

The drive along Kercheval Avenue past the Alter Road border has long been a stark visual reminder of the vast difference in income levels from city to suburb.

Some neighbors have suspected the barriers were meant to steer Detroiters away from the suburb, but city officials say the new piece of infrastructure was built to create a farmer's market.

Grosse Pointe Park Councilman Daniel Grano told Steve Neavling of Motor City Muckraker the market "will make the whole area more attractive for all."

“We are moving our farmers market down there to draw folks down to use the whole commercial district and expanding days to offer fresh farm produce to the area more regularly," he said.

Officials said the new setup will provide pedestrians better access to the retail district at the intersection, and that there will still be vehicle access between Kercheval and Alter via alleys.