Last I saw was this, but this is from 2005. Still, I believe this is what ODOT submitted to FHWA for approval......

 

^ OK I hadn't seen that. That's pretty close. But I'm not sure about that large flyover from 90w to 77.

Here's a few pics from the Inner Belt Bridge facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a pic of the new Ontario entrance ramp.  It's the first pavement that has been poured on the new bridge.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Innerbelt

Holiday Bike to Work Day: Celebration of the Hope Memorial... Public Event · By Bike Cleveland

 

When Monday, December 10, 2012, 7:00am - 8:30am

 

Where Hope Memorial Bridge Cleveland, Ohio

 

Get Directions Get Directions

 

Details Help ring in the opening of the Hope Memorial Bikeway (the bike path on the Lorain Carnegie Bridge) this holiday season on Monday, December 10th from 7am to 8:30am for the Holiday Bike to Work Day Celebration. Stop by on your way to work, school, or just on your early morning ride.

 

In celebration Bike Cleveland and the Cleveland Bike Rack will be providing hot coffee and pastries to cyclists and pedestrians who cross over the bridge. We will be set up in the new promenade on the east side of the Hope Memorial/Lorain Carnegie bridge (across from Progressive Field). This is your chance to be one of the first to ride over the Hope Memorial Bikeway, which officially opens that morning.

The Cleveland Bike Rack will have information on the Bike Station including their winter commuter parking services, ODOT will have information on the bikeway and enhancements that will be made in 2013, and of course Bike Cleveland will be there with membership info and t-shirts (this is a good opportunity to get a Bike Cleveland shirt for that special cyclists in your life for the holiday).

We know it’s short notice so if you can't make it on December 10th, be sure to check out the Hope Memorial Bikeway next time you are headed east-west. We will also be planning a larger event in the spring to celebrate the lighting of the Guardians and other improvements along the bikeway.

 

 

http://m.facebook.com/Innerbelt?id=158130137575685&_rdr

 

 

I also noticed the Abbey Ave bridge should be completed by the end of this week.

Here's a few pics of the progress from the Inner Belt Bridge facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/Innerbelt

 

New Innerbelt Bridge taking shape as renderings show how bridge will embrace Cleveland's rock past

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/new-innerbelt-bridge-taking-shape-as-renderings-show-how-bridge-will-embrace-clevelands-rock-past

...

Cleveland Rocks" will be imprinted on the side of the bridge with a mural of people raising their hands at the entrances from East 9th Street and Ontario Avenue.

"In Tremont we have some unique plans for what we call a sideyard with a nature play area and a blueberry hill. We're working with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum so that when you're entering Cleveland, everyone knows Cleveland does rock," explained Jocelynn Clemings with ODOT District 12.

 

While landscaping will help the new bridge not look like just a massive metal concrete structure, the mile-long structure is a quantum leap forward in engineering. Eighty foot piers that support the new bridge are nearly three times deeper underground, digging 220 feet into bedrock.

Surface coatings these days offer superior protection for the bridge. The entire deck is being built so it can be taken off and replaced in time if needed. Because expansion joints can be ripped up, the old Innerbelt Bridge is only salted not plowed during snow storms. The new bridge will be built so that it can be plowed like any highway.

New Innerbelt Bridge taking shape as renderings show how bridge will embrace Cleveland's rock past

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/new-innerbelt-bridge-taking-shape-as-renderings-show-how-bridge-will-embrace-clevelands-rock-past

...

Cleveland Rocks" will be imprinted on the side of the bridge with a mural of people raising their hands at the entrances from East 9th Street and Ontario Avenue.

"In Tremont we have some unique plans for what we call a sideyard with a nature play area and a blueberry hill. We're working with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum so that when you're entering Cleveland, everyone knows Cleveland does rock," explained Jocelynn Clemings with ODOT District 12.

 

While landscaping will help the new bridge not look like just a massive metal concrete structure, the mile-long structure is a quantum leap forward in engineering. Eighty foot piers that support the new bridge are nearly three times deeper underground, digging 220 feet into bedrock.

Surface coatings these days offer superior protection for the bridge. The entire deck is being built so it can be taken off and replaced in time if needed. Because expansion joints can be ripped up, the old Innerbelt Bridge is only salted not plowed during snow storms. The new bridge will be built so that it can be plowed like any highway.

 

If only it had a "rock n roll" bike/pedestrian lane.... (sigh)

^The westbound bridge cost less than they expected, so their sad accusation of cyclist-profligacy is disproved.  I was busting on ODOT/Innerbelt on their Facebook page about this and they started to ignore my comments.  They say the longer route to the Detroit-Superior bridge is adequate.

^The westbound bridge cost less than they expected, so their sad accusation of cyclist-profligacy is disproved.  I was busting on ODOT/Innerbelt on their Facebook page about this and they started to ignore my comments.  They say the longer route to the Detroit-Superior bridge is adequate.

 

Tremont and Cleveland are both missing out on a great opportunity to bring even more residents into the neighborhood with a safe, quick commute via bicycle.  Once again ODOT is stuck in 1960 and the country is moving in a very different direction.

PD article on the same subject: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/odot_wants_spruced_up_look_on_1.html

 

I am at least glad that ODOT is thinking about this aspect of the new bridges.

Are you seriously suggesting a bicycle lane on an interstate highway bridge, or am I just reading that wrong?

Are you seriously suggesting a bicycle lane on an interstate highway bridge, or am I just reading that wrong?

 

Sure. Why not?  It's been used in countless other cities in much larger applications (the new Bay Bridge in SFO comes to mind).  Obviously it would need a fence for protection from the passing traffic, perhaps even a weather barrier.  This has been discussed in great detail further upthread.  Just revoicing my frustration here.  It can be done if ODOT were taken out of the equation.

Don't forget, the current bridge already has a very small (probably quite unsafe) pedestrian path on both sides of the bridge. I see people walking across it often - although not as much now as they used to.

Are you seriously suggesting a bicycle lane on an interstate highway bridge, or am I just reading that wrong?

 

You're right. No one does that.......

 

 

 

 

 

Id be angry if there wasn't another bridge nearby, but there is. And they are improving its pedestrian and bicycle access.

Here is the presentation from the Jan. 8th public meeting regarding the final treatments for the Tremont/Gateway areas. A few more details and renders we have not seen yet.

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/ClevelandUrbanCoreProjects/Innerbelt/InnerbeltBridge/NewsInformation/Documents/1.8.GatewayTremont.Final.Updated_sm.pdf

 

^These plans are just a further sign of their misunderstanding of what makes urban neighborhoods tick.  What we really needed from them was to minimize their footprint and maximize development opportunities.  What they are giving us is useless greenspace and mock parks that won't be used and that ODOT almost certainly won't maintain.

Well said.

Funny and true, although I like much of what they are doing in Tremont with utilizing the underbridge areas and tying into the Towpath Trail.  Also, when I was last through there I saw that they had salvaged old cobble stones from demolitions/old road beds(?) and were using them for interesting paving around the bridges and into the green spaces. 

 

Some of the Gateway stuff seems a bit contrived, like the art deco pylons that seem "pasted onto" the bridge.  Otherwise I cant complain if they want to put money into a better gateway into the city and one the helps to utilize the very underutilized Rock and Roll theme that the city seems to consistently be missing the boat on. 

I'm really encouraged by the plans for the Tremont side.  And on the downtown side, I assumed useless green space was a given, so I'm just happy some thought is going into making it more appealing, at least from the view through a windshield (which still counts). Even if ODOT had carved out some "development opportunities" south of the Interstate, not sure how optimistic I'd be they would ever turn into anything.  20 years after Gateway, the "development opportunities" created by that master plan are still useless green space.

Exactly.  I dont really know what could have been done south of the interstate, and frankly there is plenty of possibilities/opportunities that could use some concentrating on north of the Interstate.  So at least try to make it a nice gateway, and I think they are attempting to do that. 

 

The scope and engineering of this project is impressive, even if some of it is useless like the pocket parks.

 

I'm no traffic engineer, but it seems they are removing several of the feeder on/off ramps. I'm guessing they think this will improve traffic around the area? From an outsiders view, it looks like the new bridges are about making it easier to bypass downtown altogether, while making it more convoluted for people working and living downtown. Like having to drive out to E14 to take 77S. Seems stupid to me, but what do I know.

What they are giving us is useless greenspace and mock parks that won't be used and that ODOT almost certainly won't maintain.

 

Anyone remember the "Urban Forest" that graced the E 9th exit?

 

Seven dead saplings, weeds, litter and a big sign. That was glorious.

What they are giving us is useless greenspace and mock parks that won't be used and that ODOT almost certainly won't maintain.

 

Anyone remember the "Urban Forest" that graced the E 9th exit?

 

Seven dead saplings, weeds, litter and a big sign. That was glorious.

 

Yes it was.  Likely the work of Parkworks when they used to plant and care about trees, as they have evolved and are now a part of LandStudio, they could care less about trees.    Like I said this should result in many improvements to the gateway of downtown, and that can only help to improve the city's image.   

Well said Strap. There is not a lot of rational thinking when it comes to this project.

 

The positive I like about the gateway area is the removal of several roadways, it makes that area much less cluttered. Because it's embarrassing now.

Thanks for the pics, I've honestly never seen that.

I'm really encouraged by the plans for the Tremont side.  And on the downtown side, I assumed useless green space was a given, so I'm just happy some thought is going into making it more appealing, at least from the view through a windshield (which still counts). Even if ODOT had carved out some "development opportunities" south of the Interstate, not sure how optimistic I'd be they would ever turn into anything.  20 years after Gateway, the "development opportunities" created by that master plan are still useless green space.

 

That's why they should have moved the bridge, and created development opportunities to the north of the innerbelt.  But that ship has sailed, now we are debating what shade of lipstick to put on this pig.

I think the plan for the Cleveland Rocks wall is one of the most inane proposals I have ever heard about. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a great asset to the region and everyone loves a good concert, but we are no more a city of people jumping around at rock concerts than any other city. I think the wall, as proposed, would be an embarrassment.

The graphic should be sailboats flying spinnakers in a yacht race.

There is a short survey regarding the Gateway and Tremont proposals on the inner belt web site.  If you would like to weigh in on what you would like to see in those areas take the quick survey and let them know. Pictured is what has been proposed for the gateway wall treatments. I liked the idea of the song lyrics but was not to crazy about the Cleveland Rocks graphics. I suggested a video wall as you come into the city which could be used for Cleveland promo videos or to advertise current events or news and info.  Anyways go to

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/ClevelandUrbanCoreProjects/Innerbelt/InnerbeltBridge/Pages/Second-(Eastbound)-Bridge.aspx and you will see 'Take our short Survey'.

There is a short survey regarding the Gateway and Tremont proposals on the inner belt web site.  If you would like to weigh in on what you would like to see in those areas take the quick survey and let them know. Pictured is what has been proposed for the gateway wall treatments. I liked the idea of the song lyrics but was not to crazy about the Cleveland Rocks graphics. I suggested a video wall as you come into the city which could be used for Cleveland promo videos or to advertise current events or news and info.  Anyways go to

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/ClevelandUrbanCoreProjects/Innerbelt/InnerbeltBridge/Pages/Second-(Eastbound)-Bridge.aspx and you will see 'Take our short Survey'.

 

And what is the cost to maintain a video wall adjacent to a highway vs. the built.  The computer electronics would probably be to sensitive, and expensive to protect and maintain, considering the weather and the salt used on roads.  I think it's a great idea, but not for that location.

There is a short survey regarding the Gateway and Tremont proposals on the inner belt web site.  If you would like to weigh in on what you would like to see in those areas take the quick survey and let them know. Pictured is what has been proposed for the gateway wall treatments. I liked the idea of the song lyrics but was not to crazy about the Cleveland Rocks graphics. I suggested a video wall as you come into the city which could be used for Cleveland promo videos or to advertise current events or news and info.  Anyways go to

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/ClevelandUrbanCoreProjects/Innerbelt/InnerbeltBridge/Pages/Second-(Eastbound)-Bridge.aspx and you will see 'Take our short Survey'.

 

I like the "car themed" wall so much better. The "Cleveland Rocks" art just looks very fake/strange. I mean, I've never seen a concert where every single person had their hands raised like that. It's conformist; and worse, it's the polar opposite of authenticity.

 

It seems silly to be so opinionated over this. But IT IS going to be the first impression for so many people.

Well good news is the second bridge construction will start 2016 and not 2027.

Well good news is the second bridge construction will start 2016 and not 2027.

 

How wide is the new bridge compared to the current one? Do we really need two bridges?

Well good news is the second bridge construction will start 2016 and not 2027.

 

How wide is the new bridge compared to the current one? Do we really need two bridges?

The old one is 4,223 feet long and 116.25 feet wide the new bridges will be 4,247 feet long and both new bridges will carry 5 lanes of traffic each way. Not knowing the amount of traffic the bridge recieves I cant answer that but I will guess no.

Well good news is the second bridge construction will start 2016 and not 2027.

 

How wide is the new bridge compared to the current one? Do we really need two bridges?

 

First rule in government spending:

 

How do you create more demand for taxpayer funding for highway contractors? Create more holes that need filling, more bridges that need maintaining and more lane-miles that need repairing. What about the per-capita decline in driving and the resultant decline in revenues to pay for these added road costs? Worry about that tomorrow. If you create make-work project today, its maintenance will keep you employed tomorrow.

New monuments facing downtown at Ontario/90. They are supposed to have some sort of LED feature when all is said and done. Who doesn't like stuff that lights up.

Who doesn't like stuff that lights up.

 

Perhaps Albert "We're Not Running A May Show Here" Porter?

 

EDIT: That was the quote of our beloved county engineer (1945-1977) when asked why he wanted to demolish the Guardians of Transportation on the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge for extra lanes that weren't needed. And if you're too young to remember the May Show.....  http://library.clevelandart.org/search_mayshow

 

I'm sure there are old-school engineers at ODOT who are wincing at the idea of having special lighting and other decorative elements on the Inner Belt bridge, and all Ohio bridges.....

I switched the lighting in my house to high efficiency lamps and fastidiously turn those off when I am not using them so as to minimize my use of coal powered electricity.

I switched the lighting in my house to high efficiency lamps and fastidiously turn those off when I am not using them so as to minimize my use of coal powered electricity.

 

Look at it this way, a big chunk of what you're using comes from high efficiency nuclear powered energy.

 

The bridge lighting is probably solar powered

Some pics of the bridge work. The last disconnected bridge spans will be connected this week.....

 

 

Cool innerbelt video.

 

And a few more pics.

The last is from the old Cold Storage site.

News Release

Cleveland’s New I-90 Innerbelt Bridge:

Apparent Winning Team for Historic Bridge Construction Revealed

New Eastbound Innerbelt Bridge Project Team Announced

 

COLUMBUS (Friday, September 13, 2013) – Shortly after 10 a.m. today, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that Trumbull Corporation, The Great Lakes Construction Company, & The Ruhlin Company (TGR) along with designer URS Corporation are the apparent winning team who will perform the demolition of the existing 1959 Innerbelt Bridge and construct a new eastbound structure in its place.  The total bid amount for the project came in at $272,986,001.

 ODOT is in the midst of replacing the 1950s era bridge with two, new bridges.  The first will carry westbound traffic and the second will carry eastbound traffic.  The westbound structure is under construction now and expected to be open to traffic this fall.

 Engineers and experts from ODOT and the city of Cleveland teamed on a thorough process of evaluating three technical proposals for constructing the new eastbound bridge.  In order to complete construction on this project faster, ODOT is using a unique design-build process in which the design and construction of the project are combined in a single contract.

 Three teams were chosen in February to compete for this historic project. Technical elements – such as schedule, quality management, construction plans, community outreach and sustainability – were evaluated by experts from both ODOT and the city of Cleveland.

 Today, ODOT officials in Columbus revealed the sealed price proposals from each team – and combined the scores of the technical and price proposals to determine an apparent winning team.  In conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ODOT has up to ten days to review the “best value” proposal before awarding the contract.

 Demolition of the existing, 1959 Innerbelt Bridge is expected to begin this fall, immediately after completion of the new westbound bridge.  The new westbound bridge will temporarily carry traffic in both directions until completion of the new eastbound structure, in the fall of 2016.    

 

For more information contact:

ODOT Innerbelt Communications Office at (216) 584-4030 or email [email protected]

About 3 weeks ago.

About 3 weeks ago.

^ cool picture!

 

I don't know why we need two bridges. That wide for one way?!!

^ cool picture!

 

I don't know why we need two bridges. That wide for one way?!!

 

To make room for a bike/ped path on the westbound one.... ;)