High Water Near Ambassador Bridge Close River Steps

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The popular steps into the Detroit River next to the Ambassador Bridge have been fenced off after the rising water caused them to shift.

The steps consist of 180 metres of stepped armour stone.   The city says that the stone has experience some differential settlement that has made the steps uneven and sloped toward the river. The high water and wave action has resulted in the steps being consistently wet.

In an abundance of caution, the city has installed temporary fencing along the entire length of the stone steps to prevent the public from having direct access to the water’s edge.

In the long-term parks is investigating the feasibility and cost of installing permanent railings at the top of the steps. Before the installation of the permanent railings Parks staff plan to retain an engineer to evaluate the existing conditions and make recommendations for stabilization and rehabilitation of the armour stone steps.

The city says that the long-term solution and costs will be reported back to City Council and referred to the 2020 capital budget process.