FACT:
The problem of outdated and obstructive urban highway infrastructure is
not unique to Indiana
Cities and states across the country are confronting the economic and community-oriented downsides of the 1950s Eisenhower Interstate Highway System.
These places have done the hard work of rebuilding their urban highways a better way—setting themselves up for a century of economic growth and prosperity.
Boston, Massachusetts
Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Big Dig • I-93
Economic impact
The Big Dig transformed downtown Boston by removing the elevated highway and creating the Rose Kennedy Greenway, which significantly boosted adjacent property values (some estimates show increases of 10-20%+ in
nearby areas). It spurred over $2 billion in private development and attracted tens of thousands of new jobs in the downtown core.
Development Investment
The Big Dig cost around $24 billion (completed in early 2000s). The Greenway itself is a aulti-million-dollar public space funded through a combination of federal, state, and private sources.
Other benefits
The effort has transformed Boston, revitalizing the urban core, opening land for development and green space, removing a major source of noise and air pollution, and stimulating billions of dollars in private investment in real estate and tourism.
Sources
MassDOT Big Dig Overview
Brookings Institution - Urban Highway Removal
Boston Globe Archives
Cincinnati, Ohio
Fort Washington Way • I-71
Economic impact
Recessing Fort Washington Way freed up 20+ acres, leading to an estimated $2 billion in new development including the Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, Smale Riverfront Park, and The Banks development. The construction of The Banks alone generated an estimated $556 million in economic activity and has had an ongoing annual impact exceeding $90 million. The highway design enabled ongoing redevelopment, increased property tax revenues, and created thousands of jobs.
Development investment
The original construction/recession in the 1970s-90s, plus continuous investments, exceeded $300 million for urban renewal.
Other benefits
By sinking the interstate below the street grid and extending cross-streets above it, the city reconnected downtown to the riverfront after decades of division. Current proposals aim to cap the highway and create new park space connecting key civic, commercial, and riverfront assets. The effort highlights the potential of highway lids to unify fragmented urban cores and stimulate economic, cultural, and community revitalization.
Sources
Reconstruction of Fort Washington Way Redefined Cincinnati’s Urban Core | Urban Cincy
Urban Land Institute Report on Fort Washington Way
Local Government Economic Reports
Columbus, Ohio
I-670 Cap at Union Station
Economic impact
Building a deck-cap over I-670 healed a decades-old urban scar. The cap restores the continuity of High Street, reconnecting downtown with the Short North arts and entertainment district after the highway cut them apart in the mid-1950s. The retail and dining deck reconnected neighborhoods, generating millions in new commercial revenue and increasing pedestrian traffic by an estimated 25%. Enhanced connectivity boosted Short North’s growth, attracting over $100 million in investment.
Development investment
Project cost approximately $40 million.
Other benefits
The cap, which supports multiple tenants, including restaurants, boutiques, and cafes, has stimulated local investment and become a model for capping Columbus’ urban interstates in other places.
Sources
Columbus City Planning Documents
Local Business Improvement District reports
Dallas, Texas
Klyde Warren Park • I-35E
Economic impact
Since opening in 2012, the park has been credited with $1 billion+ in nearby real estate development, including residential and office buildings and an estimated $2 million in annual tax revenue increases. The park attracts 300,000 visitors annually, stimulating local business.
Development investment
Park construction cost $106.7 million in 2012, funded by public-private partnerships. Here’s a breakdown of costs: (1) City of Dallas (bonds) $20 million, (2) TxDOT (via state/feds) $20 million, Private Donations $50 million, Stimulus 2 Funds $16.7 million. Acreage = 5.2; Length = 1,045 ft.; Width = 210 ft. Total square footage = 226,512.
Other benefits
In addition to the exponential economic and quality of life improvements, a nonprofit runs ongoing operations and programming of the park, showcasing sustainable P3 management.
Sources
Dallas Morning News coverage
Denver, Colorado
Central 70 Project • I-70
Economic impact
This design-build-operate-maintain-finance (DBOMF) project rebuilt a 10-mile stretch of Interstate-70, adding one new tolled express lane in each direction, removing the aging 54-year-old viaduct, lowering the interstate in places and placed a four-acre park over a portion of the lowered interstate. The project has been estimated to support $200 million in new development, particularly affordable housing and commercial space, aiming to revitalize Elyria-Swansea. It also improved local air quality and reduced noise pollution, enhancing livability. The redesigned corridor is expected to generate up to $18 billion in economic activity by 2040.
Development investment
$1.2 billion overall project cost, with an emphasis on community investment.
Other benefits
CDOT honored 150+ community input commitments, including noise mitigation, neighborhood access, construction management, and affordable housing enhancements. More than 650 local residents were hired—logging over 1 million construction hours—with outreach efforts and apprenticeship trainings for nearby communities. The project reduced travel times and improved safety.
Sources
Central 70 Project | CDOT
Local environmental and urban development reports
Phoenix, Arizona
Deck Park Tunnel / Hance Park • I-10
Economic impact
The revitalized Hance Park anchors cultural events, boosting tourism and local businesses. The 2024 Final Four Festival alone generated over $420 million dollars for the state of Arizona.
Development investment
$32 million recent park reinvestment.
Sources
City of Phoenix Parks & Rec
Event economic impact studies
Seattle, Washington
Freeway Park / Jim Ellis Park • I-5
Economic impact
Early freeway lid project setting precedent, catalyzed $500 million+ in downtown development around the park, including office and residential towers. It helped reconnect neighborhoods and stabilize real estate markets.
Development investment
Initial construction cost about $28 million in the 1970s.
Sources
Seattle Department of Transportation
Urban planning case studies (APA, ASLA archives)
St. Louis, Missouri
CityArchRiver Project • I-44
Economic impact
Since 2018 completion, the project has stimulated over $380 million in adjacent private investments, increased tourism, and added over 1,000 jobs. Gateway Arch Park enhancements boosted visitation by 20%.
Development investment
$380 million public-private project.
Sources
CityArchRiver Foundation
Economic development reports from St. Louis
Washington, DC
Capitol Crossing • I-395 Deck
Economic impact
Mixed-use development valued at $1 billion+, generating over $20 million annually in tax revenues. Restored urban fabric led to new office, retail, and residential uses attracting thousands of workers and residents.
Development investment
$750 million development over a 7.5-acre platform with mixed-use development built atop a platform over I-395, reconnecting Capitol Hill and the East End. The project restored the city’s original street grid, reestablishing F and G Streets and integrating office, retail, and residential space. Demonstrates how decking infrastructure can repair urban fabric, generate tax revenue, and catalyze sustainable, equitable development.
Sources
DC Office of Planning reports