Renderings of I-75 cap in Detroit show what public space over highway could provide

Rendering of I-75 Central East. (Photo credit: Downtown Detroit Partnership)

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    Detroit, MDOT, and The Downtown Detroit Partnership are pushing forward with plans to cap I-75
    
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    In addition to $2 million being awarded for final design, there are also renderings showing what the pedestrian-friendly space would look like
    
  • 
    There is no timeline for completion or cost estimation for building the space, but there is precedent for constructing one, including over I-696 in Oak Park
    

• 
  Detroit, MDOT, and The Downtown Detroit Partnership are pushing forward with plans to cap I-75
  
• 
  In addition to $2 million being awarded for final design, there are also renderings showing what the pedestrian-friendly space would look like
  
• 
  There is no timeline for completion or cost estimation for building the space, but there is precedent for constructing one, including over I-696 in Oak Park
  

(FOX 2):Renderings of the potential cap were recently unveiled along with additional financing and a first look at an ambitious project to create a pedestrian-friendly area over I-75 in downtown Detroit.

The project is one of numerous initiatives to link areas of the city that were divided by extensive infrastructure, and its design is being funded in part by federal grant money.

We know:

The I-75 Cap Design Engineering Project was highlighted by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, which also highlighted the $2 million given to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the finished design.

The area over I-75 between Brush and 3rd Street is being investigated by the DDP, the city of Detroit, and MDOT as possible locations for a cap.

The DDP is proceeding with the project’s final design following three public consultations in 2024. This year, a feasibility study will be conducted. When the project is finished, it will be “shovel ready.”

The majority of community members expressed a desire for a cap between Clifford and John R, which would include Woodward Avenue.

Possible locations for the I-75 cap construction.(Photo courtesy of the DDP PowerPoint presentation)

What is unknown to us:

Officials must first decide if capping the roadway is viable, as the project is still in the design stage.

Frankie Pace Park in Pittsburgh, Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, and our very own Oak Park, which has a cap over I-696, are examples of past cap projects.

Additionally unknown are the project’s budget, source of finance, construction and completion schedule, and what will be built on the cap.

It might include public art, food and beverage stores, green areas, and seats.

Look more closely:

Although the project’s final design is yet unknown, there are sketches of what a cap over I-75 might look like.

However, there are a number of factors to take into account while constructing land over the highway, such as keeping room for big trucks, ventilating for cars on I-75, and even removing on- and off-ramps.

In addition to sidewalks and greenery, the cap might have a little building with picnic tables and chairs. Additionally, a small music stage could draw tourists to the downtown area.(The Downtown Detroit Partnership provided the image.)

There is opportunity for workout spaces, kid-friendly play structures, public art, and historical and educational exhibits, even if the most popular feature of the cap was natural landscapes.

(The Downtown Detroit Partnership provided the image.)

Local viewpoint:

Residents discussed a number of factors to take into account within the study area during public meetings regarding the project:

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  Dangerous intersections for pedestrians on foot and on bike at Cass and Clifford
  
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  Access to Brush Park neighborhood between John R and Brush
  
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  Benefits of connecting the future University of Michigan Center for Cass Tech at Grand River.
  
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  Investing in small businesses in the I-75/Grand River area
  

What they’re saying:

The partnership’s CEO stated that the I-75 cap presents a chance to “evolve our local transportation system and infrastructure in a way that positions the city for the future and a more solidified and connected community.”

“To maintain a robust urban core, the DDP advocates for a comprehensive solution to the city’s transportation system. Eric B. Larson stated, “We are happy to collaborate with the City of Detroit and MDOT on this important project that will benefit the community for generations.”

• This narrative was based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Downtown Detroit Partnership.

This narrative was based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Downtown Detroit Partnership.