The Dequindre Cut is a below-grade pathway, formerly a Grand Trunk Western Railroad line,[1] located on the east side of Detroit, Michigan, just west of St. Aubin Street.
[2] The railroad line that once ran through the Dequindre Cut runs roughly northwest/southeast at street level through Hamtramck and on to Royal Oak.
[1] The Dequindre Trail connects the Cut between Woodbridge Street and the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor along the International Riverfront.
[6] In 1923, the city of Detroit and the railroad began a plan to build 22 grade separations; both parties agreed to share the cost.
[7] During this time of abandonment, the Dequindre Cut was used by graffiti artists,[3] attracted by the concrete bridge abutments and overpasses which protected the art from the weather, as well as the out-of-the-way location.
[2] These pieces of art have continued since the transformation of the railway, such as a pair of murals created by the Hygienic Dress League Corporation.
[8] In the late 1990s, when casinos were first authorized to be built in Detroit, the Dequindre Cut was considered as a freeway access to their proposed riverfront location.