What if we kept it but gave it a major face lift? I just spent 20 minutes modeling a Libskind sort of design in which all the downtown off and on ramps would be removed, its current supports replaced with a steel white spine. It could be lit within these steel arches with led lights. The new structure would have reduced lanes underneath and a recreational path along its length for bike commuters and joggers during bad weather. It would maintain the traffic flow of those traveling between the East and West. An electronic toll would be placed at the last off ramp Eastbound at the Ex, and the DVP/Lakeshore Westbound Entrance. $1 isn't so much to ask.
Sorry, I only spent 20 min on this, so it's just a rough model. And this alternative plan is only off the top of my head.