• Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

  • MTGA is a non-profit organization that shall foster and facilitate the creation of an interconnected statewide system of trails and greenways for recreation, health, transportation, economic development and environmental/cultural preservation purposes.

I-275 Bikeway

REVIVING THE I-275 BIKEWAY

I-275: The Weeds Have It!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.

I-275: Connection PotentialToday, 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

I-275: Dangerous CrossingMichigan 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.

2008 Status

Overview of the I-275 BikewayMichigan Department of Transportation hired 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. The final report will be ready in June, 2008. From there, priorities can be assigned and the improvements can start to happen! Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance has held several public input sessions to register comments on the proposed changes and to add new ideas to be incorporated into the study. The last public input session is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st at Nankin Mills Park, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Friends of I-275 Pathway

A friends group that started in 2004 was primarily an e-mail list serve where all of those interested in the restoration of the path could monitor conditions along it, and communicate those conditions to others. In addition, one of the members, Dave Duffield, organized several successful clean-up efforts in conjunction with Home Depot; as a result several miles were enhanced through these efforts. Now that the engineering team’s report to MDOT is almost complete, the group is strengthening the coalition into an official entity that will assist the cause with advocacy, fundraising for enhancements along the pathway, programming and other worthy projects. A steering committee of the friends group has developed bylaws and has officially signed under the Michigan Trails and Greenways umbrella to become a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations to the Friends of I-275 Pathway are now tax deductible. Join as an official member of the Friends of I-275 Pathway by completing the form below and sending it to: Friends of I-275 Pathway, P.O. Box 6472, Plymouth, MI 48170

Using the I-275 Pathway

There are several official access points (AP) to the trail along the I-275 corridor. The trail is in good condition from Michigan Avenue in Canton to the Meadowbrook Road AP in Novi (just north of 11 Mile road).

VIEW A MAP OF THE I-275 PATHWAY BY CLICKING ON THE VARIOUS ACCESS POINTS AS LISTED BELOW.

Trail Overview

From North to South, here are the official APs (note links will open Google Maps):

Meadowbrook Road AP – East side of Meadowbrook Road, just north of Bridge Street

Haggerty Road AP – West side of Haggerty Road, across from Suburban Honda

9 Mile Road AP – West of I-275

8 Mile Road AP – West of I-275

7 Mile Road AP – West of I-275

6 Mile Road AP – West of I-275

Hines Drive Northern AP – North of M-14 to non-motorized bridge

Hines Drive Southern AP – East of I-275

Ann Arbor Trail AP – East of I-275

Ann Arbor Road AP – East of I-275

Koppernick Road AP – East of I-275

Ford Road AP – East of I-275

Cherry Hill Road AP – East of I-275

Michigan Avenue AP – East of I-275

The trail condition south of the Michigan Avenue AP varies from good to impassable or dangerous. Please exercise caution on the path at all times, particularly in these sections!

Van Born AP – East of I-275

Ecorse Road AP – West of I-275

West Huron River Drive – West of I-275

South Huron River Drive – West of I-275

Northline Road – West of I-275

Eureka Road – West of I-275

Sibley Road – West of I-275

South Huron Road – West of I-275

Willow Road AP – West of I-275

Will Carleton Road AP – West of I-275

Trail Photos

I-275 workday with Mitch Albom: We sure did have a good time! The trail turned out great. Paul Pickering even uncovered some perfectly good cement that was covered by 2-3 inches of dirt and grass! Good job, everyone that came! Sue


There are currently 4 responses to “I-275 Bikeway”

Why not let us know what you think by adding your own comment! Your opinion is as valid as anyone elses, so come on... let us know what you think.

  1. 1 On August 4th, 2008, Mark McGarry said:

    I’m accustomed to road cycling in Canada, and planning a visit with a friend in Oakland County. I can’t believe I’m being pushed onto “recreational trails” if I want to cycle! I want to get places and see the community, not paved trails in woodlands or parks! Bikes are classified as a vehicle by Ontario’s road authority, and there’re active advocacy groups successfully pushing for bike lanes on current and future roadways. Maybe we have a healthier mindset in Canada. Or maybe Michigan just can let go of the narrow minded car mindset. I recall seeing some arterials without sidewalks even!

  2. 2 On December 5th, 2008, Tom Champagne said:

    Take it easy Mark! Don,t be so harsh on us. while you may have a better cycling system in Canada, It does not mean that we are not trying. There are plenty of people with a healthy mindset in Michigan. Some of the trail systems that we have are trails that have a beauty of their own. While we are working on a better bicycle friendly system, Some things take time and there are plenty of people working very hard at trying to build a bike system that we can be proud of. Perhaps you should look into some of the paved trail systems that we do offer, and try them out. this website can help you to plan a trip all the way to the top of our state if you would like. then you will see some of what we have to offer you.
    TAKE IT EASY ON US!
    Tom

  3. 3 On February 12th, 2009, Congratulations to MDOT’s Greg Johnson | m-bike.org said:

    [...] the biggest change Greg made was having MDOT take back responsibility for the I-275 bike path. ?After languishing without maintenance for 30 years, the bike path is getting repaired section by [...]

  4. 4 On April 17th, 2009, I-275 Bike Path: Getting Clean and Improved | m-bike.org said:

    [...] the next two Saturdays, the Friends of the I-275 Bike Path are hosting trail cleanup days. The details are [...]

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