The first photo that started this thread from MrChrome is definitely a rendering. The second photo from gvidas showing the first car being placed is definitely real.

In the second photo you can see the Millender Center off in the distance on the left. And the tracks do cross Jefferson at a right angle by Cobo Center. Most don't notice it because they are descending down onto the Lodge Freeway if they're going west, or ascending off the Lodge onto EB Jefferson coming the other way.

Those trucks parked assisting the placement of the first car are clearly on the part of Jefferson that leads to/from the Lodge Freeway.