By exploring whether to turn I-375 into a surface street, the city that is the United States' foremost exemplar of suburban flight is considering a historic reversal that would demonstrate its optimism in its recovering downtown.
"For the first time in a half century, Detroit could follow a national trend and remove aging I-375, cutting off express downtown access for tens of thousands of motorists a day in favor of a pedestrian-friendly parkway connecting Lafayette Park and Eastern Market with the central business district," reports John Gallagher. The City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Transportation are working with local stakeholders to study the concept, and "will choose a consultant next month who will oversee the process of coming up with a proposed plan by mid-next year."
"The coming debate over the future of I-375 could be integral in defining Detroit’s development priorities either as a destination for commuters and others doing business in downtown or as a place to do everything, including living, shopping, working, raising children and playing."
Read the full story: No more I-375? Detroit to study removing freeway in favor of walkable surface street
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