Great Lakes - Potential rails to trails in Detroit

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detroitjim
11-12-10, 04:56 PM
I was riding around the city this past year and noticed two old rail lines that are abandon.

The first parallels East Grand Boulevard and could be a decent route to Belle Isle(Ba-lyle) from the Hamtramck area.

Unfortunately , the part of the rr-o-w just north of Gratiot had a factory built on it, but the

detour around it is on a very low traffic street for only a block or two. It could connect directly to the River Walk just west of the BI bridge.

potential bellevue bike path rails to trails river walk to harper (3.20 mi.)

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mi/detroit/368128927091534039




The second could start on Ryan between East McNichols and Nevada then end at Wyoming.

potential rails to trails ryan to wyoming (5.47 mi.)

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mi/detroit/380128927139956414



A lot of folks are excited about the Conner Creek Greenway ,the Midtown loop,Dequindre Cut ,and other projects. Maybe these are potential projects for the future.

Understandably ,the possible routes are not situated in the finest areas of the bowels.

Any thoughts?

fishtoes2000
11-14-10, 02:47 PM
The first rail corridor you mention is being called the Gleaner’s Greenway (for now). It is currently undergoing a feasibility study.

The second is the Inner Circle Greenway. We are working with the Conrail about acquiring it. The property was acquired so long ago that that area was still a township and not Detroit. Even still, most of the deeds so far look good. In the best case scenario, we would apply for a Trust Fund grant next year to acquire the property.

The city is very enthusiastic about the Inner Circle. So much so that we helped them write a $37 million TIGER II grant to acquire and develop it. Unfortunately we did not receive the money.
detroitjim
11-15-10, 07:23 AM
Thanks I was unaware that the second item was referred to as the Inner Circle Greenway.



I guess I'd better read the M-bike postings a bit more thoroughly.

fishtoes2000
11-15-10, 12:59 PM
Thanks I was unaware that the second item was referred to as the Inner Circle Greenway.
Actually the Inner Circle Greenway includes more than just that abandoned rail corridor. It also includes portions of the SW Detroit Greenway, Corktown/Mexicantown Greenlink, RiverWalk, Dequindre Cut, and Hamtramck Trail. Depending on the final routing, it'll be a loop of about 28 miles -- some on-road, some off-road.