REVIVING THE I-275 BIKEWAY
The Michigan Department of Transportation built the I-275 Bikeway in the mid 1970’s in response to the energy crisis. It was an idea whose time had not yet come. It lacked the construction standards and maintenance schedules of today’s trails, but it did link the communities in Wayne, Oakland, and Monroe counties across a 40+ mile stretch.
Today, there are trail systems developing in several communities along and at both ends of the bikeway. In addition, the Hines Parkway, intersecting the middle, is a well-known and well-loved attraction for walkers and bicyclists. An improved I-275 bikeway could connect the communities and their trails for an enhanced Southeast Michigan regional trails network that would increase opportunities for recreation, conservation, and non-motorized transportation.
2006-2007 Plans
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance received a grant from the GreenWays Initiative to engage the communities along the I-275 Bikeway in preparation for the path restoration and improvement. The meetings held in the Fall of 2005 revealed all of the communities’ hopes and concerns about the path. MTGA prepared this report to document what was learned during the community input sessions in Oakland and Wayne Counties.
Michigan Department of Transportation will soon be hiring an engineering team to analyze the corridor in terms of what can be done, i.e., crossings, realignments, special study areas, etc. and how much it will cost. From there, priorities can be assigned and the improvements can start to happen!
For a free copy of the 
