Dequindre Cut, Detroit -- History 

 *  Built in the 1830's by the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad, a
    predecessor of Canadian national subsidiary Grand Trunk 
    Western Railroad to link riverfront warehouse district to 
    Eastern Market and out to suburbs

 *  In 1923, prompted by road congestion and conflict, the 
    city of Detroit and the railroad began a plan to build grade 
    separations at a cost shared by both

 *  Passenger service was discontinued in 1982, freight service 
    continued only a few years beyond 

 *  In 2000 Canadian National sold the 3.5-mile section of 
    track (including the Cut) 

 *  During the 1990's the Dequindre Cut was considered as a 
    possible freeway access to proposed riverfront Casino 
    district riverfront location but casinos were built elsewhere, 
    leaving the fate of the Dequindre Cut open

 *  A 2003 Green Ways Initiative granted the Downtown Detroit 
    Partnership $98,750 to put plans in motion to remake the 
    Dequindre Cut as a greenway

 *  Groundbreaking began in 2005 on first 1.2 mile stretch, 
    funded by another $3.4 million in grants

 *  Trail opened to the public in 2009
Photo (http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090218/cut-loose-from-the-car)