Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Ohio

500 People Ate Dinner on a Freeway in Akron This Weekend

"500 Plates" brought together people from all over Akron to have a meal together on the to-be-closed "Innerbelt Freeway." Photo: Jason Segedy
"500 Plates" brought together people from all over Akron to have a meal together on the Innerbelt Freeway, which is not long for this world. Photo: Jason Segedy
"500 Plates" brought together people from all over Akron to have a meal together on the to-be-closed "Innerbelt Freeway." Photo: Jason Segedy

How's this for a creative reuse of outdated 20th century infrastructure? This weekend, 500 people in Akron, Ohio, sat down and had dinner together on the Innerbelt Freeway.

The event, dubbed "500 Plates," brought together people from all over the city to talk about the future of the Innerbelt. The city is planning to decommission the lightly-used 1970s-era highway and redevelop the land -- but exactly how is still under discussion.

Photo: Jason Segedy
Photo: Jason Segedy
Photo: Jason Segedy
Photo: Jason Segedy
Photo: Jason Segedy
Photo: Jason Segedy

Here are some of the ideas being floated:

https://twitter.com/tughrin/status/650743532966162432


The plates all had a recipe from a different Akronite on them. Everyone who came was invited to take home a plate with someone else's recipe printed on it.

Next up, the organizers plan hold neighborhood-level discussions about the future of the Innerbelt.

This is awesome! #500Plates#Akronpic.twitter.com/kVFAvfRp4i

— Quin A. (@RealtorQuin) October 4, 2015

The project was envisioned by San Francisco artist Hunter Franks, with support from the Knight Foundation.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Hurry Up and Wait

As cities save lives by slowing down traffic, every 5-miles-per-hour increase on interstates increases the chances of death by 8.5 percent.

October 15, 2025

The Audacious Idea to Connect America With Trails Is More Necessary Now Than Ever

Seattle's bike blogger takes a ride on some of Washington's best rail trails — and makes the case for extending the "Great American Rail Trail" across the country.

October 15, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Are on Fire

Withholding funding for mass transit is just one aspect of the Trump administration's cheerleading for climate change.

October 14, 2025

This Year’s ‘Week Without Driving’ Proved America Needs More Transportation Choices

This micromobility provider helped U.S. residents attempt the 'week without driving' challenge – and revealed where they need more mobility alternatives.

October 14, 2025

Ending the Roadless Rule is Bad News for Public Lands

Federal officials want to bring more cars to public lands, causing environmental damage in the process.

October 14, 2025
See all posts