Now that this project has funding, it's a bona fide project and thus deserving of its own thread.

 

 

 

Streetcar deck of Detroit-Superior Bridge wins $7 million for bike/ped path
By Ken Prendergast / March 13, 2024

 

Cuyahoga County won $7 million in federal funds today for the reactivation of the streetcar deck of Detroit-Superior Veterans Memorial Bridge linking Downtown Cleveland and Ohio City. But instead of bringing back streetcars for the first time in 70 years, the funding would start planning for permanently reopen the deck as a pedestrian-bike path protected from rain, snow and fast-moving cars, trucks and buses on the roadway deck above.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/03/13/streetcar-deck-of-detroit-superior-bridge-wins-7-million-for-bike-ped-path/

As much as I can’t wait for this project to kick off, I do hope they consider safety when undertaking the study. There are a load of benefits with creating a separate throughway that’s removed from vehicles, but will people (females in particular) feel safe with walking or cycling on the ‘Low Line’ at night with little outside visibility? Did they look at this issue in previous studies?
 

Perhaps they can look at what NYC and even Philadelphia did with their High Line/Rail Line projects to address this. Maybe I’m overthinking it and a simple Cleveland Police/RTA Police presence would alleviate any concerns.

^ i agree. for the ny highline its crowded, there is highline park staff and its closed at night. so the bridge will need patrolled and emergency call boxes. thats expensive.

 

i sure hope they leave room under there for a detroit-superior trolley. besides the obvious benefits to the westside and lakewood whats really exciting is how it would calm way too wide superior and encourage more development. it would be even easier to get done than the wfl loop.

22 hours ago, BuckeyeNative said:

As much as I can’t wait for this project to kick off, I do hope they consider safety when undertaking the study. There are a load of benefits with creating a separate throughway that’s removed from vehicles, but will people (females in particular) feel safe with walking or cycling on the ‘Low Line’ at night with little outside visibility? Did they look at this issue in previous studies?
 

Perhaps they can look at what NYC and even Philadelphia did with their High Line/Rail Line projects to address this. Maybe I’m overthinking it and a simple Cleveland Police/RTA Police presence would alleviate any concerns.

 

Probably too ambitious but I always thought it would be cool to somehow get a little hostel inside there. Imagine some windows set into those great arches. That and some pockets of retail to keep the space activated from Ohio City all the way to Tower City. 

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

 

Probably too ambitious but I always thought it would be cool to somehow get a little hostel inside there. Imagine some windows set into those great arches. That and some pockets of retail to keep the space activated from Ohio City all the way to Tower City. 

That’s a good idea. I know they mentioned in the approval implementing “events and recreation” into the project, but I wonder if there’d be room small businesses like that?

2 hours ago, mrnyc said:

^ i agree. for the ny highline its crowded, there is highline park staff and its closed at night. so the bridge will need patrolled and emergency call boxes. thats expensive.

 

i sure hope they leave room under there for a detroit-superior trolley. besides the obvious benefits to the westside and lakewood whats really exciting is how it would calm way too wide superior and encourage more development. it would be even easier to get done than the wfl loop.

I’d love that. Long-term, it could even be a connecting station to the impending W 25th BRT line.

 

If that ever happened, I’m assuming they’d just re-dig the submerged passageway that they previously filled in?

Detroit-Superior Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open for exploration this weekend.

 

https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/Veterans_Memorial_Bridge_Tours_062024.aspx?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3nnx6L1B5oW0j2E_1k01yLTIf3MHZhH_jXBVMfzRtVStNra6d1qYDS0aQ_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

After watching the amazing lighting that was done on The Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Paris Olympics  I was wondering if the same effects could be applied to the Detroit-Superior Veterans Memorial Bridge.   The projection mapping and programmable sharpie lights would bring a draw to our city and bring people down to the flats and help to activate the lower deck as an observation deck for residents and visitors.  Combine this with music curated to Rock and Roll inductee musicians or from our beloved Cleveland Orchestra.   Heck Fourth of July have the orchestra perform from the lower level of the bridge like Celine Dion sang from The Eiffel Tower.  Truly take our iconic bridge and bring it to life.  Imagine the light show and music as one sits along The Flats and the future Irishtown Bend Park.

 

As I always wish let's dream big and make no small plans for activating and admiring the beauty we have at our fingertips. Anyone whom can remember how electric 1996 was with the masterful lighting of all the bridges for Clevelands Bicentennial.  Let's do something iconic once again.

Veterans Memorial Bridge Tours Return

Get ready to step into Cleveland's past this summer. Cuyahoga County will open the historic Veterans Memorial Bridge to the public on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The self-guided tour, part of Cleveland History Days, allows visitors to walk past century-old rail lines, explore unique urban architecture, and take in unmatched views of downtown Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River, and Lake Erie

https://cuyahogacounty.gov/county-news/county-news-detail/2025/04/30/step-into-history!-veterans-memorial-bridge-tours-return?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5adHR1X0iPvKZk1grbQTIOZ394Uo6LciCtMuNRd7489rOo1IsDxBpv6BGU8A_aem_45y9w0kobLtKGn99YsEZSw