If you're not in a vehicle, crossing a highway can mean taking your life into your own hands. That's no longer the case with the M-53 freeway in Romeo.
Macomb County recently opened a $2.2 million pedestrian bridge over the highway that will link two sections of the Macomb Orchard Trail. The bridge, which was paid for with federal funds, is just north of 32 Mile Road.
The Macomb Orchard Trail is one of the crown recreation jewels in Metro Detroit. The 23.5 mile path, the longest in Macomb County, stretches from 24 Mile Road in Shelby Township to Washington Township. It's so popular with non-motorized traffic enthusiasts that a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony was accessible only to pedestrians, bicyclists and in-line skaters.
The trail is also one of the longest in Southeast Michigan, covering 236 acres of linear park. It connects users to parks, downtowns, businesses, schools, homes and open spaces it runs east/west across Macomb County. It also connects to trails in Oakland County to the west and St. Clair County to the east.
Source: Macomb County
Writer: Jon Zemke
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