Archives

March 2007
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Belle Isle Bridge Approach

Here are a pair of photos of the long gone Belle Isle Bridge Approach in Detroit. The original bridge was built in 1889, and destroyed in a fire in 1915. In 1923, the current bridge was built to link the mainland to the island. When it opened there was a nifty underground approach when headed south on East Grand Boulevard, that let you bypass the intersection with East Jefferson Ave.

I’m not sure when it happened but, somewhere along the line it was filled in.

Photo from Author’s Collection

Photo from the collection of Bernie Drouillard

Andrew

View Comments

  • The Jefferson Avenue underpass was filled in? My failing memory says it was there at least until I left Detroit in '73. Could have it been done in the 1984/1985 bridge rebuild?

    In the lower picture, what is the building to the left, a bus shelter?

  • Andrew...
    ....that was a guess on my part. I remember the underpass always being there, but the MDOT website discusses a major "restoration" on the bridge in 84/85.

  • Out of curiosity I asked the question on DetroitYes. The response I got indicated that it was during the 84/85 reconstruction..

    doug

  • My sister and I (aged 6 & 8) begged my father to blow the horn when we got under the bridge becasse a sign said not to.

Recent Posts

2177 Victoria Avenue

Built in 1929, the house at 2177 Victoria Avenue was originally numbered 1545 Victoria, pre…

1 week ago

Crescent Lanes – 871 Ottawa

Crescent Lanes first opened on Ottawa Street in 1944 at 1055 Ottawa Street, opposite Lanspeary…

2 months ago

1156 Ouellette – Oswald Janisse House

Above is a photo of the home of Mr & Mrs Oswald Janisse, located at…

4 months ago

White’s Restaurant & The Elbow Room – 33 Pitt Street East

in 1917 two Greek brothers Gus & Harry Lukos purchased a one story building on…

5 months ago

4219 Wyandotte Street East

Photo from Google Streetview A long time reader sent me an email the other week…

6 months ago

841 Ouellette – Final Days

An unremarkable end to a part of Windsor's history. The large vacant house at 841…

7 months ago