The Bagley pedestrian and bike bridge in Mexicantown is still under construction, but it’s coming along well since we last reported on it in February.

One can see in the photo to the right that the suspension cables are now being strung.

No one I’ve spoken with knows when it will be completed. The entire Gateway Project is 80% complete with and should be done by September.

There was a rumor that this bridge would be open by Cinco de Mayo, but given its current state, that looks doubtful.

The Detroit News recently ran an article on this bridge. They also made a very interesting video as well.

The Detroit News is now reporting that the Gateway Project, including the Bagley Pedestrian bridge “could be completed in August instead of MDOT’s initial forecast of December.”

That’s great news for those who want a calmer, safer biking option over I-75 in the Mexicantown area.

And this is not going to be just another run-of-the-mill pedestrian bridge, as we noted earlier. It will be suspended and showcase local artists.

The recent construction photo (taken last Friday) on the right confirms the impressive design as well as the progress being made. That tower on the right will hold the cables suspending the bridge.

According to the January 2009 Gateway Project newsletter:

Q. What structures will the Gateway Project crew focus on for now?

A: We’ll be working on the Bagley Avenue pedestrian bridge and the Vernor Avenue bridge throughout the winter months.

We’re looking forward to the ribbon cutting, which may even occur before the Tour de Troit.

In the meantime, here’s an animated video showing what the bridge will look like.

Bagley Pedestrian Bridge Concept from MDOT

There may be no better poster child for showing how expressways can divide a community than I-75 and Corktown/Mexicantown.

At this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration, Bagley Street west of I-75 was closed to vehicles and packed with revelers in a huge community celebration.  On the other side of I-75, Bagley was devoid of people.  Even the coffee shop was closed.

It’s so apparent how I-75 and the Ambassador Bridge facilities have split these Southwest Detroit communities, but especially for those on foot or on bike.  Re-connecting Bagley would certainly be a  positive step forward.

Now MDOT is taking that step.

As part of their Gateway project, they are building a bike and pedestrian bridge over I-75, making Bagley Street contiguous once again.

For cyclists, Bagley is already a decent road to ride.  It has low traffic and low speeds.  Bagley east of I-75 will eventually have bike lanes as part of the Corktown/Mexicantown Greenlink Project.

Some of the many outstanding cycling destinations along Bagley include Clark Park, La Gloria Bakery, Los Galanes, Honey Bee Market, Cafe Con Leche Coffee House, Matrix Theatre, and my favorite Mexican restaurant, Taqueria Lupitas.

Also, MDOT is looking for artists to create public art along this bridge.  Here is their press release with further details: (more…)