Gateway Path extends to UM-Dearborn’s Fairlane Center

An extended path around campus is more than a breath of fresh air—it’s a way to connect the two campus areas and give pedestrians a safe path to travel between them.

The Gateway Path, which opened in 2013 to connect University of Michigan-Dearborn’s main campus with the Union at Dearborn, now continues for three-fourths of a mile.

The 10-foot-wide asphalt addition curves around the student housing area, continues by Fairlane Town Center Mall, crosses at Hubbard Drive and ends at the university’s Fairlane Center buildings. Because it travels across Hubbard, a cross walk was added for safety. Walk time is approximately 15 minutes.

The Gateway Path was completed just prior to the fall semester.

“Before the path, the only safe way to go between Fairlane Center and the rest of campus was by vehicle. We wanted to change that and make it a more cohesive, connected campus, ” said Facilities Planning Director Kate Pepin, adding that the path also will be cleared in the winter for year-round use. “This contributes to making Dearborn a more walkable community.”

And bike-able too. The non-motorized path meets the requirements for both pedestrians and bikes. But, to keep everyone safe, Pepin encourages use common sense and courtesy.

For those who want to bike, a bike rack is located between Fairlane Center North and South. There also are two racks at the Union at Dearborn and 10 on main campus.

The project was a collaboration between the City of Dearborn, the State of Michigan and UM-Dearborn and is an extension of the Rouge River Gateway Trail that runs from Ford Field Park to Hines Park. Pepin said the addition has been in the works for four years.

“I’m thrilled that it is done. We know we are one campus, but it’s important to bring it all together in a real way,” Pepin said. “The Gateway Path creates an integrated campus, allows for a healthier community and gives safe passage.”