The Joe Louis Greenway will reach its halfway mark in 2026. New segments are opening across Detroit, including a former rail bridge over Woodward Avenue in Highland Park. For the first time, people will cross that stretch of Woodward on foot. Here is what is opening, where, and why it matters.
The greenway is one of Detroit’s biggest public projects. Still, many residents are not sure what it is or when it reaches their block. This guide breaks it down.
Want the bigger picture on what is rising citywide? See our roundup of Detroit Projects 2026.
What Is the Joe Louis Greenway?
The Joe Louis Greenway is a roughly 27.5-mile walking and biking loop. It links Detroit’s neighborhoods, parks, and the riverfront into one car-free path. In short, you will be able to travel from McNichols to the river without getting in a car.
The full loop runs through 23 Detroit neighborhoods. In addition, it connects to Dearborn, Highland Park, and Hamtramck. It also ties into trails Detroiters already love, like the Dequindre Cut and the RiverWalk.
The city designed the path for everyone. For example, it includes a lane for walkers, a clear edge for runners, and a bike lane for faster riders. The City of Detroit General Services Department leads the work, alongside the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership.
Why It Is Named for Joe Louis
The greenway honors Joe Louis, the boxing legend known as the Brown Bomber. Notably, Louis was a proud Detroiter and one of the most important American athletes of the 20th century. In fact, he held the heavyweight title longer than any fighter in history.
His story runs deeper than boxing. Louis also used his fame to fight for civil rights and to lift up Black Americans during a hard era. As a result, the city frames the greenway as more than a trail. It is a tribute to his values of dignity and access for all.
What Opens on the Joe Louis Greenway in 2026
2026 is a milestone year. The greenway will pass its halfway point, with roughly six more miles set to open by the end of the year. Here is what to watch:
- Woodward Avenue rail bridge (Highland Park): a former rail bridge reopens for walkers and bikers, the first pedestrian crossing over Woodward here.
- Hamilton to Woodward segment (Highland Park): a half-mile stretch under construction, on track to finish this year.
- Dequindre to McNichols segment: about three-quarters of a mile, also likely to open in 2026.
- New trail and trailhead: the city plans to open about two new miles of trail and a new trailhead this year.
- Woodward to Dequindre link: a $10.5 million grant funds this segment across Detroit and Highland Park, with work starting in late 2026.
Together, these pieces close key gaps. In effect, the greenway starts to feel like one connected route instead of scattered stretches.
The New Joe Louis Statue
As a result, the momentum is already visible. In October 2025, then-Mayor Mike Duggan and residents cut the ribbon on a new section near Grand River Avenue and Oakman Boulevard. At the same time, the city unveiled a new bronze statue of Joe Louis.
Artist Austen Brantley created the sculpture. Notably, it shows Louis as a golfer, a nod to how he broke barriers in that sport too. About six miles of the greenway are open today, and the statue already marks one of its most photographed spots.
Why the Joe Louis Greenway Matters for Detroit
Ultimately, the greenway is about connection. Above all, it gives residents a safe, free way to move between neighborhoods, parks, jobs, and schools. On completion, more than 40,000 Detroiters will live within a 10-minute walk of the path.
It also ties the city’s riverfront story together. The route links to the award-winning RiverWalk and the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park. Meanwhile, the new Gordie Howe Bridge adds its own bike and pedestrian path across the river. Piece by piece, Detroit is becoming a place you can cross without a car.
The city also knows growth brings worry about rising costs. As a result, it points to Michigan’s property tax cap, which limits yearly increases for owners who stay in their homes. The plan also calls for protecting existing affordable housing along the route.
Full completion is still years out, and it depends on fundraising. Even so, every new mile makes the vision more real. For Detroit, the Joe Louis Greenway is a long game worth watching.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Joe Louis Greenway
What is the Joe Louis Greenway? The Joe Louis Greenway is a roughly 27.5-mile walking and biking loop in Detroit. It connects 23 neighborhoods, several parks, and the riverfront, plus the cities of Dearborn, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
What is opening on the Joe Louis Greenway in 2026? The greenway hits its halfway mark in 2026, with about six more miles opening. Highlights include a former rail bridge over Woodward Avenue in Highland Park and new segments near Hamilton, Dequindre, and McNichols.
Who was Joe Louis? Joe Louis was a Detroit boxing legend known as the Brown Bomber and a champion for civil rights. The greenway honors his legacy and his deep connection to the city.
Is the Joe Louis Greenway free to use? Yes. The Joe Louis Greenway is a free, public path for walking, running, biking, and wheelchair use. The city designed it to be safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
When will the Joe Louis Greenway be finished? The city estimates full construction will take five to ten years, depending on fundraising. New segments open each year, so more of the route becomes usable over time.
The Bottom Line
The Joe Louis Greenway is not just a trail. It is a plan to stitch Detroit back together, one mile at a time. In 2026, that plan hits its halfway point, with new miles and a first-ever Woodward crossing on the way.
Keep an eye on your neighborhood, and follow @rawdetroit for more of the city worth knowing.