ICYMI:
The I-75 Cap is a locally led, and U.S. Department of Transportation supported, initiative to reconnect communities cut off from economic and social opportunities by prior transportation infrastructure decisions. During this planning phase, funded by the Kresge Foundation, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has been exploring cap options within the Study Area, which extends from 3rd Avenue on the west to Brush Street on the east. The DDP is co-leading this planning initiative with the City of Detroit and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
I-75 Cap Visioning Session #3 Recap
The Downtown Detroit Partnership and its co-leaders, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its third of three Visioning Sessions on Tuesday, October 29 at the MSU Detroit Center. The objective of the meeting was to share the designs of the preferred alternatives based on community feedback from the first two Visioning Sessions that took place in June and August.
Based on community engagement and survey results from the first two Visioning Sessions, three distinct freeway caps were proposed:
- West Cap – Located between Third and Second avenues along Grand River.
- Central Cap – Positioned at Woodward Avenue, featuring Detroit’s major thoroughfares.
- East Cap – Situated between John R and Brush streets.
Each cap, spanning 600-800 feet, is designed to highlight unique aspects of Detroit’s history, showcase local art, and enhance the area’s appeal for both residents and visitors. These capped sections aim to reconnect divided neighborhoods, offer enhanced green spaces, and provide new community amenities.
Proposed features include small outdoor event venues, walking trails, pop-up retail spaces, and more. The Project Teamdiscussed these concepts and community members were invited to share feedback and engage with planners.
The project is heavily community-focused, with plans that prioritize public input to shape the caps’ layout and amenities. DDP’s Urban Evolution Strategist James Fidler emphasized the importance of reconnecting neighborhoods such as Lower Cass and Brush Park with Downtown Detroit. Public engagement opportunities, including a survey on the DDP website, have been available for residents to submit feedback on desired cap features, such as historical exhibits, green spaces, and shaded seating areas.
Project Timeline and Feasibility
The project remains in the preliminary stages, with construction anticipated to commence in approximately 18-24 months, contingent upon finalized funding. The feasibility study, scheduled to begin in early 2025, will address technical challenges, including ventilation requirements, highway grade adjustments, and interchange considerations. This assessment will also explore options to improve connectivity, such as enhancements to service drive streetscapes and traffic-calming measures.
Detroit’s proposed I-75 caps align with the city’s broader vision for sustainable urban redevelopment, advancing local connectivity, and creating welcoming public spaces for future generations.
Stay in the Know
The success of the project is dependent upon the broad participation of residents, business owners, schools, churches, and the larger community to ensure that this is a community supported project to help reconnect the greater downtown.
Community members and stakeholders can continue to participate in shaping this transformative project by filling out the online survey below or sending feedback to [email protected].
