In Detroit, there is a growing sentiment among residents regarding the state’s plan to transform I-375 into a boulevard. While some view the project as a foregone conclusion, others advocate for a reconsideration of the plan.
The I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project, a joint effort by federal, state, and local agencies, aims to acknowledge and rectify the displacement of the Black business community caused by the original highway construction in the 1960s. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the primary agency overseeing this project, reports that 30 percent of the design process is complete. The Detroit Planning and Development Department is collaborating with MDOT, focusing on gathering community feedback on various aspects, including signage, commemoration of Hastings Street, and the utilization of the 31 acres of land that will become available post-construction.
This project was introduced to the city council for the first time on Tuesday, with MDOT providing an update. Notably, this was the second MDOT presentation in a week.
MDOT’s proposal involves replacing the highway with a six-to-nine-lane boulevard by 2027, with an estimated cost of $300 million and construction commencement slated for 2025. Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway expressed reservations, particularly about the proposed nine lanes, citing it as contrary to the community’s aspirations.
According to BridgeDetroit, MDOT spokesperson Robert Morosi indicated that there had been no prior requests for a formal presentation to the council. Morosi emphasized MDOT’s ongoing collaboration with the city and consistent updates provided to council members throughout the project’s stages.
During a recent town hall, hosted by State Senator Stephanie Chang and attended by over a hundred people, community members reiterated concerns that have persisted for almost a year. Key issues include access to residences, businesses, and emergency services during construction. MDOT has assured that these concerns will be addressed by involving a construction team in the design phase.
However, many attendees felt that MDOT’s public engagement efforts were insufficient. Senator Chang organized the town hall in response to residents’ desire for a platform to voice their opinions. Despite monthly advisory meetings hosted by MDOT, some community members have criticized the selection process for these committees, questioning their transparency and equity. Additionally, these meetings are not widely publicized.
As I-375 and its infrastructure approach the end of their lifespan, MDOT has decided to fill in the freeway instead of repairing or replacing its 14 bridges. Apart from logistical concerns, there are apprehensions about the boulevard’s design, particularly its width, which poses potential safety risks for pedestrians. Despite initial assurances, the width of the proposed boulevard, one of the city’s widest intersections, remains a contentious issue. MDOT had previously justified the need for a specific width based on 2017 traffic data.
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