Detroit advances community-driven plan for three I-75 caps

DETROIT – Detroit is joining a growing national effort to address the lasting impacts of 20^th-century infrastructure decisions, advancing a community-driven approach that combines neighborhood reconnection, sustainability and new public spaces above Interstate 75.

As part of this national movement, cities including Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia have advanced projects that reclaim space above major highways. Detroit’s approach is distinguished by its focus on connecting economic development and neighborhood reconnection while putting residents, businesses and other stakeholders at the center of planning and future benefits.

A newly completed feasibility study led by the Downtown Detroit Partnership in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Detroit found three proposed public space caps over below-grade portions of I-75, totaling 9 acres, are technically feasible. Preliminary estimates put the total project cost at about $300 million.

Nearly a year of engagement generated more than 2,000 responses, with community input helping shape three distinct public spaces, each designed to serve a different community purpose. The West Cap is envisioned as a playful, dynamic space centered on recreation, education and community events; the Central Cap as a vibrant hub for performances, celebrations and everyday gathering; and the East Cap as a place for reflection, memory and Detroit’s Black cultural legacy, with gardens, walking paths, storytelling and public art.

Together, the concepts demonstrate how infrastructure investment can take a community-first approach while reconnecting neighborhoods and creating opportunities for recreation and more sustainable urban environments. The planning process also considers air quality and stormwater management as part of creating greener, more accessible public spaces above the freeway.

“The feasibility study gives us a clear path forward for creating new public spaces above I-75 that will connect surrounding neighborhoods,” said Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “What makes this effort especially meaningful is that the vision has been shaped by the people who live and work in these communities. Their input will continue to guide us as we move into the next phase and work to make these public spaces a reality.”

Supported by a $2 million U.S. Department of Transportation Neighborhood Access and Equity Planning grant, the study also evaluated structural engineering, safety, mobility, environmental considerations and preliminary construction costs.

The project will next enter the National Environmental Policy Act review process as partners pursue public and private funding. Construction funding has not yet been identified.

The Final Feasibility Report is available at downtowndetroit.org/I-75.