The Innerbelt Bridge is a vital link into downtown Cleveland.  In October 2008, ODOT engineers restricted traffic on the 50-year-old bridge after inspections revealed that a number of steel members were aging faster than expected.  As part of ODOT’s Innerbelt Bridge Safety Plan, after detailed analysis of the structure and subsequent repairs, ODOT reopened all lanes and ramps on the bridge in November 2009. 

Heavy truck traffic is no longer restricted, however it is suggested that trucks in the eastbound direction remain detoured via I-490 eastbound and I-77 northbound in order to increase traffic flow efficiencies. 

During the spring of 2009 ODOT announced plans to construct a new westbound Innerbelt Bridge, utilizing federal transportation stimulus funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Construction of the new westbound bridge will be followed by construction of a new, similarly designed, eastbound bridge.

Construction of the new westbound bridge is being performed using the unique Design Build Process – where the design and construction are combined in a single contract.

The Innerbelt Bridge Project will construct a new I-90 westbound bridge. The existing I-90 bridge will remain open while the new bridge is constructed.  The westbound bridge will be complete and open to traffic during the fall of 2013.

Project Look Ahead:  

Gateway District
Crews have completed work to redeck and/or widen the overpass bridges over East 14th Street, E 9th Street and I-77 that carry I-90 traffic, or that carry ramp traffic to/from I-90.

During the winter of 2012, crews will continue building new sections of roadway for a relocated Broadway Avenue and a continuation of East 9th Street that will connect to Commercial Road and Canal Road.  Embankment and retaining wall work will also take place in the area between E 14th and E 9th Streets on the north side of I-90.  Together, these structures will carry the new entrance ramp from E 14th Street onto I-90 west.  Ramp traffic will cross over a new overpass which will be built this winter that will carry the ramp traffic over E 9th Street as it merges onto I-90 west.

Ramps closed during the winter of 2012:

• The ramp from E 14th Street to I-90 westbound is closed. 
• The ramp from E 14th Street to I-77 southbound is closed.
• The ramp from E 21st Street to I-77 southbound is closed.
• The ramp from I-90 eastbound to I-77 southbound is permanently closed.
• The ramp from I-77 northbound to I-90 westbound is permanently closed.

Tremont
During the winter of 2012, crews will be working to redeck and widen the structure that carries I-90 west over Kenilworth.  Crews will also drive pile and perform other pier work in the Tremont neighborhood.  This work will be limited to 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Also during the winter of 2012, crews will begin the construction of the new Abbey loop ramp.  This will include a short, temporary closure of the W 14th ramp, followed by the closure of the Abbey loop ramp.  Construction of the main bridge piers and the new loop ramp will continue through 2012 and into 2013.  Access to Tremont will always be maintained.

University Road is permanently closed at the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. A large quantity of soil is being excavated from the Tremont Bluff area. This removal will improve the soil stability in that area and make room for future green space uses along the river. University Road cannot be restored because the bluff it rests on will have been removed.

Main River Bridge 
During the spring of 2011, crews began constructing the foundations and piers for the main bridge that will eventually carry I-90 westbound traffic. Work on this bridge will continue into 2012.

Maintaining Traffic During Construction
While the project team will be reconstructing and widening the bridges and ramps along I-90, the community will have a primary alternate route available to avoid the active construction zones. Commuters can also plan to travel earlier or later than the majority of motorists, to avoid the peak periods of congestion, when possible.  The primary alternate route is via I-490 and I-77.