THE 375 PROJECT SPRING 2026 | | |
Welcome to the 375 project e-newsletter! This newsletter is intended to inform you about the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) 375 project in Detroit, the ongoing progress, and future developments. To learn more about the 375 project, visit 375Detroit.org.
This edition highlights information on:
- Project updates
- MDOT’s coordination with project partners, the Local Advisory Committee (LAC), the City of Detroit, the Kresge Foundation, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, on their commitment to developing a Community Enhancements Plan for the project
- Upcoming Community Open House - April 30 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Eastern, 3434 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207
| | STORM SEWER OUTFALL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE | | |
Construction on the new storm sewer outfall began in October 2025 and is now complete. MDOT worked collaboratively with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DFRC) to reopen the Riverwalk between Beaubien and Rivard Streets on April 23, ahead of DFRC-planned events.
The new storm sewer outfall will provide lasting environmental benefits for residents and businesses along the I-375 corridor and the riverfront by supporting cleaner water being discharged into the Detroit River and relieving pressure on the existing city combined sewer system after heavy rain events. The installation of the new storm sewer will reduce the risk of flooding on streets and in neighborhoods.
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Design for a new bridge at Gratiot Avenue over the Dequindre Cut is in progress. The new bridge will replace the existing bridge which was built in 1928. Design is anticipated to be complete in the fall, with utility relocation work starting this Spring.
As the Neighborhood Framework planning process continues, design of Jefferson Avenue and the New 375 Boulevard will begin in May 2026 and will continue through the first half of 2027. Construction is anticipated to start after June 2027.
| | ADDITIONS TO THE PROJECT TEAM | | The project team has welcomed new team members. SB Friedman, a firm that studies real estate and local economies to help guide development decisions, is helping the project team to study how to use the excess land that will be created along the corridor. They will look at market trends, talk with local leaders, and test different development ideas. This work will help identify opportunities that support community vision and bring long-term value to the area. The study is set to be completed early this fall. | | |
Since November 2025, MDOT has worked with the LAC and project partners in a series of engagements focused on history, arts, culture, urban design, and community driven strategies to begin to build the project’s Community Enhancements Plan. Creating a Community Enhancements Plan is a federal commitment that MDOT made on this project and it will be accompanied by the Zoning and Land Use study being led by the City of Detroit to complete the project Framework Plan.
In addition to the LAC, MDOT and the project partners have begun hosting a Youth Engagement Focus Group to ensure younger voices also help shape the future of the boulevard. The youth group includes individuals aged 14 to 24 from various organizations within the project area.
| SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE 375 CORRIDOR TOGETHER | | From January through March the project team met with the LAC to shape the future vision of public spaces, storytelling, and community identity throughout the corridor. Through these engagements members began to identify what is important to them and what they believe will be vital to other Detroiters, ultimately deciding that they want welcoming spaces that honor the neighborhood’s history and support everyday life. | | |
During the sessions, LAC members completed three different engagement activities each of which focused on a different aspect of the Community Enhancement Plan. In January the LAC completed a small group activity that focused on historic places and events within the 375 Project area. This activity encouraged meaningful discussions about what is important to honor, what resonates with the community, and what may be missing, along with what placemaking themes should be reflected in the project.
During the February LAC meeting, the group continued to build on the January discussion by completing an activity focused on what the new corridor could look like. During this activity the LAC discussed civic open spaces and what could happen within those spaces, starting on day one of the new boulevard.
Moving into the March LAC meeting, the group shifted its focus towards translating community concerns, desires, and values into actionable strategies. During the March activity LAC members discussed what community strategies can be used to help prioritize housing, health and wellness, small business and workforce development.
| | The Youth Engagement Focus Group participated in the same activities as the LAC. During the sessions the group was excited to participate in the activities and share what is important to them. They highlighted a desire for both indoor and outdoor spaces where young people can connect with friends, spend time after school doing homework, and relax. The importance of music also emerged as a central theme with the group, as they noted | | | how music was a major factor in putting Detroit on the map. Including their input will help the team understand what kinds of spaces feel welcoming, accessible, and meaningful to young people. | | UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT – APRIL 30th COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE | | |
Join us on April 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Eastern, 3434 Russell Street Detroit, MI 48207, for a Community Open House. The open house will feature interactive tables and boards, kicked off by a brief presentation followed by time to explore the exhibits and speak directly with project team members.
The Community Open House will focus on sharing what has been heard during recent conversations with various project partners and community stakeholders, and next steps.
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Additional information, including previous meeting summaries, presentations, and project renderings, is available on the project website. Please visit 375Detroit.org for more information.
The project team is also available via email at MDOT-I-375Corridor@Michigan.gov.
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