The Motor City getting rid of a freeway might be a controversial concept but right now, that’s the path the Michigan Department of Transportation is on.
I-375 serves downtown Detroit, bringing commuters into Jefferson Avenue.
The construction of the freeway more than 50 years ago was controversial as it eliminated the neighborhood that was the heart of black Detroit, Black Bottom.
I-375 would be replaced by a boulevard that would open up more land for development and create a more walkable environment for residents.
MDOT says the project would be less expensive for taxpayers than reconstruction and allow some of the land to be reclaimed for development, also helping offset project costs.
Dig into all the details by watching our latest collaboration with Detroit Public Television’s One Detroit above.
Then, see Stephen Henderson from WDET’s Detroit Today and American Black Journal weigh in, suggesting that we also take out the Lodge up to I-94 and make Woodward car-free between Jefferson and Grand Circus Park.
Detroit News opinion editor Nolan Finley has large reservations about the idea in a city that’s car-centric and doesn’t have mass transit at scale.
We’ll also discuss it with our thoughts on your Daily Detroit podcast later today. You can subscribe free in your favorite podcast app below, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.