Dequindre Cut Greenway

About

Completed in 2016, the 1.65 mile non-motorized Dequindre Cut greenway is a haven for Detroit. What was once a below-grade and neglected corridor for the abandoned Grand trunk Western Railroad, the Cut now offers Detroiters and visitors access to its natural resources, a safe place to exercise and socialize, cultural features, employment, and healthy food while also supporting local businesses adjacent to the greenway.

Categories Place Botanic & Arboretum Recreation Landscape Performance Series

A black and white map detailing the expanse of the first phase of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. The Greenway sections are colored in green. — Site plan of the first phase of the project. Image credit: SmithGroup

Project Details

Description

Located in a dense urban corridor the Dequindre Cut (the Cut) connects Detroit’s iconic Eastern Market, the East Riverfront District, and parks and plazas. Phase 1 of the project included the area from Jefferson Ave to Gratiot Ave and the second phase, a ½ mile extension runs from Jefferson to Gratiot Avenues and connects to the Eastern Market. There is a variety of well suited plant species to foster four season interest in the Cut. They include tree species such as honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis). The shrubs and flowers include weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), daylilies (Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus “Chicago Apache” and “Chicago Gold Coast”), and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica).

With a nod to local graffiti artists calling Detroit home, the Cut celebrates this rich social and cultural heritage with displays of new art while preserving what stood before the Cut was installed. Working with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and in partnership with the Detroit River Conservancy, the Cut’s ongoing Inside|Out program replicates select pieces of the DIA’s collection within the greenway. Sited within walking distance of each other, the pieces invite an outdoor museum viewing experience. Envisioned as the catalyst for the future development of a 31 mile Joe Lewis Greenway, the Dequindre Cut is an important step in making Detroit a vibrant, desirable, and safe walking and biking city.

Project Goals

Embrace and preserve Detroit’s culture and history through encouragement of graffiti expression and art to enhance the unique cultural character of the Greenway.
Create a safe and inviting space within the previously unsafe abandoned rail corridor and reduce crime rates in the area.
Incorporate sustainable strategies into the greenway system while creating an attractive and inviting pedestrian environment.
Improve the business climate and activate adjacent streets and public spaces with a variety of uses that support the identity of Eastern Market, Midtown, and other districts located along the greenway.
Maximize accessibility by exceeding ADA and universal design guidelines.
Catalyze future opportunities for expanding the site’s amenities including parks, plazas, concessions, and programming to enliven the surrounding area.

Reprinted from the original LAF LPS case study.

Social Benefits

Provides access to recreational activities and more, with more than 263,260 trips taken on the Cut annually. 92% of 101 surveyed users agreed that the Cut provides access to diverse recreational activities.
Represents the cultural and historical context of Detroit according to 94% of 99 surveyed users. 99% of users agreed that the Cut improves their perception of the City of Detroit.
Improves quality of life and sense of well-being according to 94% of 99 surveyed users. 53% of 109 surveyed users reported exercising more often after the Cut’s opening.
Provides an estimated $106,430 in cost of illness savings annually based on increased physical activity for users. 35% of 104 surveyed users reported noticing a decrease in physical ailments such as stress, asthma, and/or general poor health since they started visiting the Cut.
Supports positive perceptions of the appearance of the Cut, with 99% of 102 surveyed users rating the corridor’s appearance as “very good” or “good."

Reprinted from the original LAF LPS case study.

Contact contact@smithgroup.com Design Firm – Smith Group Dequindre Cut Greenway Project

Key Contributors

Design Firm
SmithGroup

Contractors
Bridge Engineer: Wade Trim
Geotechnical: Somat Engineering
Environmental Assessment: NTH Consultants, Ltd.
Construction Engineering Inspection: Parsons Brinckerhoff
Electrical Contractor: Rauhorn Electric
Bridge Contractor: E.C. Korneffel Company
Landscape Contractor: Marine City Nursery Co

Funders & Supporters
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
Detroit Greenways Coalition

Total Cost
$35.3 million

Programs Offered

Soirees on the Greenway
Detroit Institute of Arts Inside|Out program
Fit camps and running clubs meet in the Cut
Destination for wedding photo shoots and receptions

Amenities & Services

Outdoor

Wheels and heels are accommodated on a 15’ wide path throughout the site. There are two 5’ wide bikes lanes for 2-way travel and a 5’ wide pedestrian lane.
The Cut includes multiple points of entry and thoughtfully sited pause points (plazas) furnished with bike racks and seating.
With safety as a priority, the site has 24/7 surveillance cameras located at 500 foot intervals and energy-efficient LED lighting.
As a secondary benefit to boosting the Detroit economy, restaurants and bars adjacent to the Cut are thriving.

Awards

ASLA Michigan Chapter: Honor Award, 2009
Federal Highway Administration: Transportation Planning Excellence Awards, Livability/Sustainability category, Honorable Mention, 2010
American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan: Engineering Merit Award, 2017
American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan: Special Projects Category, Merit Award, 2016
American Public Works Association Michigan: Project of the Year, 2016
Crew Detroit Impact Awards: Catalyst Award, 2016

A black and white map detailing the second phase expanse of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. The Greenway is shown in green color.

A dirt path with overgrown trees flanking either side continues into the distance. An overhead pass is seen in the distance.

Walkers, bike riders, and segway scooter riders are sharing the non motorized roadway which is seen going under an overpass. To the right of the path are plazas with benches, cement walkways, grasses, and trees.

Two bike riders are in the foreground and a walker is to their left on the path. Adults walk up and down steps and a ramp on a cement plaza providing access to the greenway.

A paved path with lane markings is utilized by walkers and bikers on a . To the left of the path are lamp posts lining the path and to the right is a sloped area of land full of orange flower blossoms.

Under a sunny sky, a group of children and teens gathered on the path are engaged in outdoor recreational activities like hula hooping and jumping rope.

An aerial view of bikers on the non-motorized roadway. To the right, two people use outdoor exercise equipment in a designated area and in the background are buildings under construction.

A young adult is sitting and playing guitar beneath a graffitied overpass.

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