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Work Starts on Detroit RiverWalk Project, Connecting Belle Isle to Riverfront

An idea envisioned almost 20 years ago is finally becoming a reality. Construction has begun on the final section of the east Detroit Riverfront. The project marks the final section…

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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

An idea envisioned almost 20 years ago is finally becoming a reality.

Construction has begun on the final section of the east Detroit Riverfront.

The project marks the final section of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy's 3.5-mile plan, which will ultimately connect the Riverfront Parks with Belle Isle.

The initial part of the Detroit Riverwalk was constructed by GM back in 2003 in front of the Renaissance Center. GM has now provided $2.5 million to help finish the last section.

"When we started transforming the riverfront 20 years ago, we had an ambitious vision and our promise was to connect the entire East Riverfront,” Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Chair Matt Cullen said in a statement. “Today, we are proud to break ground and deliver on that promise.

“For decades, the Uniroyal site has been synonymous with industrial contamination and inaccessibility to our waterfront,” added Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the cleanup efforts that have taken place and the great work of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, future generations will know this stretch as one of the most beautiful sections of Detroit's international waterfront, which continues to be cited as one of the best in the world.”

The project is expected to be finished by fall 2022.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.