Officially, the new Dequindre Cut extension doesn’t open until April 29, which is when the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy plans a ribbon cutting ceremony. But the half-mile extension is already being used by runners and cyclists, and is at least sometimes not blocked off. And so it was that I ran there with coworkers one recent morning.

Just as the recently opened West Riverfront Park has a different feel than the older section of the RiverWalk promenade, the Dequindre Cut extension has some differences from its longer spur to the south. The half-mile extension, which goes from Gratiot Avenue to Mack, was supposed to have been completed last fall, but was delayed over the winter due to call boxes and security cameras.

Unlike the older, 1.35-mile section, the extension project involved rebuilding many of the crumbling bridges that span overhead. There’s also a public plaza area with tables and seating at the entrance from Wilkins Street, and the new spur in many places directly abuts vacant warehouse buildings, some of which are undergoing redevelopment (anyone know what for? Lofts?).

Electrical and call-box installs appear to be in place, though the embankments have yet to be landscaped, there aren’t yet any official, commissioned graffiti murals, and officials had solicited volunteers today to help clean up litter.

Overall, it’s has a slightly more urban, hemmed-in feel than its predecessor, with lots of interesting views. It will be interesting to see the effect it has on the no-man’s land of warehouses it traverses and whether it will translate to economic improvements and more vitality.

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