Free Flowing in Time for Thanksgiving Holiday

Garfield Heights (Monday, November 22, 2010) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is pleased to announce that all lanes are open along Interstate 77 between Rockside and Oakes Roads just in time for Thanksgiving and winter travel. 

On Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20, crews on behalf of ODOT completed the necessary traffic shifts and pavement markings on I-77 north and southbound between Pleasant Valley and Oakes Roads to open up all lanes, including the newly added third lane. 

Earlier this fall crews opened all lanes on I-77 north and southbound between Pleasant Valley and Rockside Roads, including the newly added fourth lane.

Motorist will continue to see work on this project through October 2011, however this work will have minimal impacts on traffic. 

During 2011 crews must complete the final surface course on I-77 north and southbound between Pleasant Valley and Oakes Roads including 12 entrance and exit ramps, painting and sealing of four bridges, noise wall installation, final grading and seeding work, guardrail work, pavement markings and highway sign and lighting.  Daily and nightly lane closures are expected.

Interstate 77 is an integral part of that highway system and serves as an important north-south corridor, extending as far south as South Carolina.  The portion of I-77 which is currently under construction consistently ranks among the most congested areas in northeast Ohio. 

According to the 2008 INRIX – a leading-provider of traffic information, directions and driver services – National Traffic Scorecard this portion of I-77 serves as the 9^th worst bottleneck in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area.  This project seeks to eliminate those bottlenecks and relieve congestion in the area. 

The entire project added a lane on I-77 between Rockside and Oakes Roads through the Cities of Brecksville, Broadview Heights and Independence. 

For statewide construction and road condition information visit www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.

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For more information contact:
The ODOT District 12 Communications Office at (216) 584-2005