I-375 Project

DDP Response to MDOT’s Pause to I-375 Project

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) supports the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) decision to pause the I-375 redevelopment project.

Although this decision was not an easy one and involved many layers of complexity, we deeply appreciate MDOT for thoughtfully weighing the significance and implications of the I-375 project.

This moment provides an additional opportunity to ensure the project delivers balanced infrastructure, economic and social outcomes guided by a community-led vision, and meaningful engagement at every step.

Transformational infrastructure projects like I-375 can shape a city’s future for generations. By pressing pause, we can build on the work already done, align the priorities of the community, city and state partners and ensure the design addresses transportation efficiency, economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality in equal measure. Together, we can set a national example for how to build infrastructure that connects, strengthens and sustains communities.

Our work, including the recent Peer Review supported by The Kresge Foundation, offers a clear blueprint for a project that reconnects neighborhoods, supports inclusive economic growth and delivers innovative, resilient infrastructure. We recognize and thank our partners who have worked tirelessly to advance this effort and DDP remains committed to contribute the insights, recommendations, and lessons we have gathered.

I-375 Project Reaches Key Milestone as MDOT Advances Planning and Design

MDOT has publicly shared the following Message to the Community, which importantly includes confirmation that it has received an approved traffic analysis, allowing for the advancement of planning and design efforts.

The DDP commends MDOT for making significant changes to its initial plan, including deferring the interchange and focusing on the boulevard. MDOT leadership has committed to a thoughtful, community-led roadway design process that has the potential to restore and improve neighborhood connectivity and create opportunities for commercial and residential development and green space. The Peer Review and a meaningful community engagement process remain key to a successful project.

We know there is much more work to be done, and the DDP will continue to advocate on behalf of the community in this multigenerational opportunity that has the potential to drastically transform Downtown Detroit. We are committed to working with MDOT, the City of Detroit, and the Kresge Foundation as we reach many more milestones, and we encourage constructive collaboration and honest dialogue to advance this project.

You can find MDOT’s announcement in its entirety here.

Learn More

I-375 Peer Review

The DDP Offers Recommendations to Maximize Opportunity

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) I-375 Peer Review Report includes design evaluation and collaboration, construction mitigation, and opportunity assessment sections. Through a grant from the Kresge Foundation, the DDP worked alongside the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the City of Detroit to provide a balanced voice and advocate for a truly reconnected design for the project. The review was rigorously produced with community feedback at the center.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part I: Opportunity outlines the possibilities that can be realized when the removal of the highway is understood as a catalyst for the reconnection, repair, and restoration of a walkable urban core.

Part II: Evaluation provides a detailed summary of the Peer Review of the MDOT 2023 Preferred Alternative design and 2024 refinements developed by MDOT in response to updated traffic counts and Peer Review feedback.

Part III: Mitigation provides a framework of construction impact considerations and related strategies to help minimize environmental and economic impacts on the local residential and business community.

Peer Review Press Release

CEO Blog: Peer Review

DDP's Involvement

DDP serves as one of the key advocates for the Downtown community’s interests in the I-375 project. Funded by a grant from the Kresge Foundation, DDP is engaged as a balanced voice, contributing our resources to maximize the potential of the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project. Demonstrating our commitment to economic growth and social good, DDP has collaborated with community, business, philanthropic, and governmental partners, showcasing how public spaces can serve as catalysts for positive change when approached with careful planning and execution. Actively engaging in the I-375 Reconnecting Communities project, we aim to influence the design and provide peer review to ensure the project achieves its goals of reconnection and community engagement. Collaborating closely with MDOT and the City of Detroit, DDP leverages its expertise and resources to ensure the project aligns with the city’s vision for economic growth, inclusivity, and revitalization.

Partners, Community Members, Supporters

DDP's efforts are bolstered by the support of various partners, stakeholders, and community members who share a common goal of creating a more vibrant and interconnected Detroit. Engagement efforts are essential through every stage of the process and DDP is committed to continuing to engage partners, stakeholders and the community.