Commerce Township: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Commerce Township invite bicycle and pedestrian traffic to enjoy the new M-5 Pedestrian Bridge. The total project cost was $6,013,185, funded primarily by the Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program via MDOT, with $940,665 from the state. Additional costs of $1,045,909 for enhanced aesthetics, including signage and lighting, were contributed by Commerce Township and will be installed in early 2019. A formal bridge opening celebration is expected after the final design elements are installed in the spring.

The bridge connects two Michigan Air Line Trail segments, offering safe passage over the busy M-5 highway. The Air Line is a multi-use rail trail that passes through Wixom, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township communities. The bridge also will afford easy access to the M-5 Metro Trail, which leads south from the Air Line to the I-275 Metro Trail. The Air Line Trail and eight road crossings are scheduled to be improved next year, with construction anticipated to begin in late winter/early spring of 2019.

“We are thrilled to have the bridge open; our three municipalities are excited to see this vision come to life, knowing it will increase the opportunity to get outside, exercise, or simply enjoy nature,” said Trail Council President David Scott.

About the Michigan Air Line Trail: Extending nearly seven miles in length, the Michigan Air Line Trail provides a much-needed connection between the West Bloomfield Trail to the east and the Huron Valley Trail to the west. The Trail is also an essential part of the Great Lake to Lake Trail – Route 1, a cross-state trail that, when complete, will stretch from Port Huron to South Haven. Further information about the Trail, including a construction video, can be found at www.miairlinetrail.com