Walking is about to become a bit easier
in Wayne County's suburbs this year now that the state has agreed to
fund projects in the Plymouth/Canton area and the city of Wayne.
The Michigan Department of Transportation plans to spend about $4
million rebuilding portions of the hiking/biking path along I-275 in
Plymouth and Canton townships. The improvements will include new
signage for the trail and bringing it up to Americans with Disability
Act standards.
The I-275 Bike Path has suffered a lot of wear and tear since it was
built in the 1970s. Its 44 miles stretching between Northville and
Frenchtown Township have watched erosion, decay and mother nature wreak
havoc on the trail, making some parts impassable.
"It will be 100 percent better," says Nancy Krupiarz, director of the
Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance. "There is a lot of surface
deterioration. There are a lot of bridges that can't be used anymore.
There are a lot of sink holes. There are a lot of intersections that
aren't passable."
MDOT will also spend $177,890 to improve the streetscape on Wayne Road
in the city of Wayne. The $222,362 project (the city is chipping in
$44,472) will install brick pavers, planters and other landscaping on
Wayne between Harroun and Annapolis streets. Work is set to begin this
summer.
Source: Nancy Krupiarz, director of the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance and the State of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke
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