Cruisin' Downriver Route Gets a Detour for 2013

Participants of Cruisin' Downriver in 2013 might save a little money on gas after the traditional route was cut short.

For the past 14 years the annual event began at Fort Street and Outer Drive and ended at Fort Street and Sibley Road. The route was changed this year, according to Sandy Mull, president of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber.

The new route will begin at Fort Street and Southfield Road and end at Fort Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

This year's event won't include Riverview. Cities involved will be Lincoln Park, Southgate and Wyandotte.

Mull said Riverview Mayor Tim Durand opted out of this year's cruise due to construction on Fort Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Sibley Road.

Durand said businesses along the canceled section of the route have encountered hardships due to construction, according to Mull.

"Getting back to normal is crucial to Riverview businesses along that stretch of Fort Street, Mull said. "Opting out of Cruisin' Downriver for one year was a wise decision by Mayor Durand."

Last year, construction was halted and cleaned up along the length of the original route to allow the cruise to continue as planned.

Mull said Cruisin' Downriver participants rarely drove to Outer Drive, which caused a reduction in spectators past Southfield Road.

"This year, Lincoln Park is ramping up their efforts to make their downtown area an active part of the Cruise," Mull said. 

A turnaround south of Southfield Road and Fort Street will be closed this year, and cruisers will be encouraged to go just a couple of blocks further into Lincoln Park, according to Mull.

Cruisin' Downriver is set to begin at 10 a.m. June 29 in Lincoln Park.

Look to Wyandotte Patch for more information on the new route and scheduled entertainment for the 14th Annual Cruisin' Downriver or go to www.cruisindownriver.com.