America's Thanksgiving Parade to go on despite M-1 Rail construction

Parade Company says Woodward Avenue will be ready in time for parade

DETROIT – We're just days away from one of Detroit's biggest events -- the annual America's Thanksgiving Parade down Woodward Avenue. But this year, the parade route's road is dug up and lined with construction barrels for the M-1 Rail project.

Regardless, the Parade Company said Woodward Avenue will be ready in time for the parade.

The M-1 Rail construction has Woodward Avenue closed. While some areas are paved, others are not so much.

"What you see will be cleaned up," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of the Parade Company. "There will be some barrels off to the side in some areas. But the parade is rocking down Woodward."

Parade Company officials said the only difference this year is there will be what they call pinch points, which are areas of the route where the parade will narrow.

Pinch point No. 1 is from Putnam to Warren on the west side of Woodward -- the sidewalks and the viewing will be obstructed.

Pinch point No. 2 is from Alexandrine to Watson on the east side.

The third pinch point will be from Winder to Montcalm on the west side of Woodward, including the I-75 overpass and ending in front of Hockeytown.

"The pinch points we covered very well with baracades and fencing," said Michaels.

Folks Local 4 spoke with Friday night said nothing can keep them from a family tradition that's just a pinch different this year, but different for a good reason: Progress.

"I don't think it's going to detour people from coming down here," one person said. "It's going to be a wonderful day, hope it's not too cold."