Supporting Residents Through the I-75 Mitigation & Home Swap Programs
The Bridging Neighborhoods I-75 Environmental Mitigation Program offered home mitigations to address noise and air quality impacts from increased truck traffic related to the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project. Eligible homes received some or all the following mitigations updated windows, updated HVAC systems, air filters, and insulation.
Partnering for Cleaner, Quieter, and Safer Homes
Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition played a key community role in the Bridging Neighborhoods I-75 Environmental Mitigation and Home Swap Programs, both designed to reduce the impacts of highway expansion and truck traffic associated with the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project.
Through these partnerships, SWCBC worked closely with the City of Detroit’s Bridging Neighborhoods program to make sure residents directly affected by I-75 construction and increased diesel traffic were informed, supported, and heard.
Scope Of Work:
Each home was provided with retrofits in order to ensure that their home met our standards. These standards were:
- The windows on the home had a noise canceling level of STC 36 if they were within 150’ of the service drive or STC 27 if they were more than 150’ of the service drive.
- All homes had forced air HVAC systems in place that included central air conditioning in order to allow year-round air filtration.
- Any home that had wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding received blown-in insulation in the walls to diminish road noise entering the home.
Our Role
Community Outreach & Recruitment
SWCBC helped connect residents in the eligible impact areas—homes within 300 feet of the expanded I-75 corridor—to the program. We assisted with:
- Sharing program information and updates in English and Spanish
- Recruiting homeowners and tenants for participation
- Communicating deadlines, eligibility requirements, and upcoming meetings
Resident Support & Advocacy
We worked one-on-one with residents to address issues that arose during the application and construction processes, such as documentation barriers, property requirements, or communication gaps. Southwest Detroit CBC also gathered resident feedback to help improve how the programs were delivered.
Ongoing Coordination
Southwest Detroit CBC met regularly with Bridging Neighborhoods staff to discuss program progress, highlight emerging concerns, and advocate for adjustments based on community needs.
About the I-75 Environmental Mitigation Program
The I-75 Environmental Mitigation Program offered upgrades to reduce noise and air quality impacts from highway expansion. Eligible homes received improvements such as:
- New sound-reducing windows and insulation
- Updated HVAC systems and air filtration
- Air conditioning installation to allow for closed-window ventilation
Program by the Numbers:
- 247 eligible properties
- 205 applications received
- 174 homes completed
- $6 million invested in neighborhood improvements
- 73% of residents reported a decrease in indoor noise
- 64% reported health improvements after upgrades
About the Home Swap Program
In addition to the mitigation program, SWCBC supported residents participating in the Home Swap Program, which allowed eligible families to trade homes near the construction area for comparable homes in other Detroit neighborhoods. SWCBC helped residents navigate paperwork, relocation logistics, and ongoing communication with city staff.
Lasting Community Impact
Through these programs, hundreds of Southwest Detroit families experienced direct improvements in their homes and health. SWCBC’s involvement ensured that resident voices guided decision-making, that equity remained central, and that Detroiters most affected by industrial development received the support and advocacy they deserved.