Riverfront Steps To Be Fenced Permanently

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File photos by Anna Millerman

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

The section of shore protection consists of 180 metres of stepped armour stone revetment. This section of the armour stone has experienced 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.

Last July, the city installed temporary fencing along the entire length of the stone steps to prevent the public from having direct access to the water’s edge. The river walk was also fenced off to the public because of the temporary fencing installed on the south side of the walkway.

A recommendation going to City Council soon recommends that the a permanent metal safety railing be installed on the walkway at the top of the stepped armour stone revetment.

A city report says that the railings will be designed in segments so that in the event that the armour stone steps require adjustments in the future, the railing segments, can be removed and re-install

The estimated total project cost is $137,361.