Renderings of I-75 cap in Detroit show what public space over highway could provide
The Brief
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) – Additional funding as well as a first-look at an ambitious project to build a pedestrian-friendly space over I-75 in downtown Detroit were released recently, including renderings of what the cap could look like.
Federal grant money is helping pay for the design of the project, which is one of several plans to reconnect parts of the city that were separated by large-scale infrastructure.
What we know
The Downtown Detroit Partnership showcased the I-75 Cap Design Engineering Project this week, including highlighting $2 million awarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the final design.
The DDP, the city of Detroit, and MDOT are studying the space over I-75, between Brush and 3rd Street, as potential spots to build a cap.
After hosting three public meetings in 2024, the DDP is moving forward with the final design of the project. A feasibility study will take place this year. Once complete, the project will be “shovel ready.”
Based on the community’s input, the biggest number of people wanted to see a cap between Clifford and John R, which includes Woodward Avenue.
Potential areas where the I-75 cap could be built.
(Image via DDP powerpoint presentation)
What we don’t know
The project is still in the planning phase and officials must first determine whether it is feasible to cap the highway.
Previous cap projects include Frankie Pace Park in Pittsburgh, Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, and our very own Oak Park, which has a cap over I-696.
It’s also unclear how much the project will cost, where funding will come from, the timeline toward construction and completion, and what will be built on the cap.
It could be green space, seating, food and beverage shops, and public art.
Dig deeper
It’s still unclear what the project will look like, but there are renderings of what a cap over I-75 could look like.
But building land over the highway requires several considerations, including ventilation for vehicles traveling on I-75, potentially removing on- and off-ramps, and maintaining clearance for large trucks.
The cap could include green space and sidewalks, as well as a small structure with picnic tables and seating. An small stage for music could also attract visitors downtown.
(Image courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership)
While natural landscapes were the most desired piece of the cap, there is potential for exercise areas, play structures for kids, public art, and historical and educational displays.
(Image courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership)
Local perspective
During public meetings about the project, residents talked about several elements to consider within the study area:
Dangerous intersections for pedestrians on foot and on bike at Cass and Clifford
Access to Brush Park neighborhood between John R and Brush
Benefits of connecting the future University of Michigan Center for Cass Tech at Grand River.
Investing in small businesses in the I-75/Grand River area
What they’re saying
The CEO of the partnership said the I-75 cap is an opportunity 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.”
“The DDP champions a holistic approach to the city’s transportation network to uphold a strong urban core. We are pleased to work in collaboration with the City of Detroit and MDOT on this pivotal project that will benefit the community for generations,” said Eric B. Larson.
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