LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has decided to pause its I-375 project, citing rising costs and lack of public support.

MDOT proposed the roughly $500 million I-375 project in Detroit to reconnect communities by replacing its freeway with a modern boulevard.

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“The I-375 service drives and overpasses are inadequate for people who walk, bike or have mobility challenges,” MDOT previously reported. “Due to its age and condition, I-375 is ready to be transformed into a vibrant urban boulevard complete with modern amenities to serve all modes of travel.”

The I-375 project would have created bike lanes and increased the number of street crossings from neighborhoods to the downtown. But this project has faced a lot of criticism and pushback from the community.

“We have one opportunity to get this project right,” State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said in a press release. “I-375 has been open for more than 60 years, and we expect the new I-375, whatever design it may be, to be in place much longer. Getting this right for the community and our stakeholders, while remaining good stewards of tax dollars, will remain our priority.”

As MDOT reevaluates design alternatives, it will continue to focus on the road and bridge conditions of the I-375 corridor, according to the press release.