Construction starts at Highland Park section of Joe Louis Greenway

Another section of the 27.5-mile long Joe Louis Greenway is now under construction. It will run 1.6 miles east/west through Highland Park. 

The $20 million section is being paid with funding from Wayne County's American Rescue Plan Act funds.

This latest section is a former Conrail railroad track and will run connect to Woodward Avenue. It will also be adjacent to Ford Park and Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park.

"The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership is thrilled to be a partner supporting the groundbreaking of the Highland Park section of the Joe Louis Greenway," said Leona Medley, Executive Director of Joe Louis Greenway Partnership. "This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering vibrant and inclusive public spaces here in Highland Park. The residents of Highland Park deserve access to safe and beautiful public spaces. The Partnership is here to foster community engagement, family-friendly programming, education and support local businesses while honoring the legacy of Joe Louis, an icon of strength, perseverance, and unity." 

The Joe Louis Greenway will mainly run through Detroit, but will also go through Hamtramck and a small part of Dearborn, along with Highland Park. It will consist of existing sections like the Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, and Southwest Greenway, as well as sections that aren't yet built out. Much of it will be off-street, while other sections will have protected bike lanes to connect the different sections. 

A coalition was formed earlier this year to help support and maintain the various greenways around the city.