Detroit purchases 7.5 miles to build greenway loop

Allie Gross | Detroit Free Press

Good news for Detroit bikers, walkers and general green-space lovers: The city has struck a deal with Conrail to purchase 76 acres of railroad property, which will be transformed into a bike and pedestrian-friendly greenway.

The newly purchased land, stretching 7.5 miles, will connect to existing paths such as the Detroit Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut. With upgrades coming to the southwest Detroit Greenlink as well, the city envisions a 26-mile loop, known as the Inner Circle Greenway, when all is said and done.

”The Inner Circle Greenway is going to connect Detroiters from every corner of the city to some of our greatest resources,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Residents will have a safe and reliable non-motorized path of greenways and bike lanes connecting them to the riverfront, Eastern Market, parks across the city and more.”

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The land, which was purchased for $4.3 million, stretches along the Detroit Terminal Railroad, which previously supplied resources for the Ford Model T assembly lines.

"Conrail has been part of the Detroit community for decades, and we're so happy that this deal will help to further improve the community for generations to come," said Conrail Vice President and Chief Counsel Jonathan Broder, who added that the company will put $500,000 from the sale into an escrow account to help "contribute towards remediation work along the route."

Ultimately, when the full loop is completed, the City of Detroit is hoping to connect neighborhoods that were previously disconnected by the introduction of freeways. And since 25% of Detroit residents are without car access, the loop aims to provide safe routes for walking or biking.

The loop will run from 8 Mile to the Riverfront. Palmer Park, Clark Park and Lasky Park are just a few of the neighborhood parks that will be accessible for pedestrians and bikers via the path.