As for enforcement, I'm more familiar with some of these stretches than others, but I've never seen much law enforcement on the ones I know well.   I did get pulled over once (over 30 years ago) just west of one, on Woodland near E. 30.  (Chose to run a red light rather than find out why a group of youths of unknown intent, right in front of a public housing project, were converging from different directions toward my car.)

Cross-posted from the suburban sprawl thread....

 

 

 

56 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

 

If the West Shoreway version of a  "boulevard" is any indication, it wouldn't do much to right the wrongs.   NO ONE is doing 35 mph for sure!   

36 minutes ago, Cleburger said:

 

If the West Shoreway version of a  "boulevard" is any indication, it wouldn't do much to right the wrongs.   NO ONE is doing 35 mph for sure!   

What did they do other than replace the center wall with a strip of grass? 

 

Not sure about converting the East Shoreway to an at-grade boulevard as there are rail tracks next to it.  I doubt anyone would want those at-grade also.

1 hour ago, Cleburger said:

 

If the West Shoreway version of a  "boulevard" is any indication, it wouldn't do much to right the wrongs.   NO ONE is doing 35 mph for sure!   

 

There's no reason it should be 35 mph even if you add intersections at several key locations. Brookpark Road west of the airport is 40-50 mph with intersections. It can be done.

 

52 minutes ago, skiwest said:

What did they do other than replace the center wall with a strip of grass? 

 

Not sure about converting the East Shoreway to an at-grade boulevard as there are rail tracks next to it.  I doubt anyone would want those at-grade also.

 

Added a multi-purpose path/trail along the highway and punched West 73rd through, below the railroad, to the Shoreway and Edgewater Park. But no major changes were made to the roadway itself.

 

I would add intersections with bus stops at West 45th, West 54th and at Edgewater Park/West 73rd.

Here's some ideas to turn the West Shoreway into a real Edgewater Parkway, to get trucks out of neighborhoods (especially Lakeview Terrace), foster more neighborhood and commercial development, and promote transit access!

 

 

 

 

They need to turn all of these at-grade ramps into intersections 

On big opportunity is going to come whenever they replace the Veteran's Memorial bridge.  The long approaches to the bridge should be removed and turned into boulevard and the bridge itself converted to a high-level a la the Detroit Superior or Lorain-Carnegie bridges.

58 minutes ago, X said:

On big opportunity is going to come whenever they replace the Veteran's Memorial bridge.  The long approaches to the bridge should be removed and turned into boulevard and the bridge itself converted to a high-level a la the Detroit Superior or Lorain-Carnegie bridges.

I assume you mean the Main Ave Bridge?   Veteran's Memorial is actually the Detroit-Superior.   But I'm with ya!  

I'd like to see that section of the shoreway re-routed along the rail tracks, but I don't know how feasible that would be.

That's such a simple and (relatively) cheap idea to solve the truck problem. I can see why they don't have that as the truck route now. Apart from Division being blocked off, the current setup would route trucks across the Shoreway and through wealthier neighborhoods in order to go eastbound. Why do that when they can be routed through poor neighborhoods? Adding the at grade intersections completely removes that excuse.

One big issue I can see with this is routing hundreds of trucks daily directly through the Garret Morgan water plant.  With the national obsession with terrorist attacks on infrastructure, I can't see this being approved.   

How hard would it be to drive a truck full of toxins off of the Shoreway, at a higher speed, into the filtration plant?

10 hours ago, skiwest said:

I'd like to see that section of the shoreway re-routed along the rail tracks, but I don't know how feasible that would be.

 

Been saying this for years.

 

It will soon be time to replace the Main Ave Bridge. It's been rehabbed on an increasingly regular basis in recent years and was improved only from "Poor" to "Fair" condition by the last big rehab in 2013. It also has a "fracture critical" design which means that the failure of a single member can cause a portion of or the entire bridge to fail.

 

To give some idea of the potential cost to replace the bridge, just its deck replacement in 1992 cost $62 million (with inflation, would be $115 million today). And as something possibly comparable that's happening now, the project that's building the new Valley View Bridge is $228 million. (To be clear, it's not a clean comparison: In addition to the new third bridge it also includes deck replacements on the two existing bridges -- on the other hand, each of the Valley View Bridges are about 2,400 ft. shorter than the Main Ave Bridge.)

 

In other words, the high cost alone dictates that we should not just automatically replace the existing 6,500 ft span + 1,500 ft of ramps. And as we all know, there are many other issues with the current bridge. We should look for a better solution.

 

Here's what I think would be much better: From west to east: Have the Shoreway replace Ed Houser (Whiskey Island) Drive as a four lane 35 mph boulevard. Maintain two intersections on this section of road: The first would be for the Treatment Plant and Old River Yacht Club. The second would go to Wendy Park and the Ore Docks. Then as low and short a bridge as we can get away with. My preference would be a medium height (50 ft?) drawbridge that would only need to open for the tallest boats. After the bridge, the boulevard would continue across the south side of the Port. Reconnect with the East Shoreway at W 3rd by widening the ramp that currently provides Shoreway access to the Port parking lot west of the stadium.

 

Since it was just rehabbed, I'd probably leave the section of the existing West Shoreway between the Westinghouse curve and W 45th as a route into Ohio City or an alternate route into Downtown via Detroit Ave. (For example, when the drawbridge is open signs could route traffic onto Detroit.) Just have a merge at W 45th or at Dogbone park. Could be modified to include KJP's intersection/transit suggestions at W 54th and W 45th.

 

Upsides: Could mostly be built without disrupting the current route. Eliminate a significant number of twisty/unsafe sections of road and oddly designed ramps. Free up acres of "lakefront" or "riverfront" property in downtown, the flats, and the near west side. Get rid of the "Berlin Wall" between Lakeview Terrace and the rest of Ohio City. Create a more direct western route in and out of the Stadium/lakefront area. With some added access over/under the rail line, add another needed route in and out of the Flats East Bank area. Possible improved development opportunities at the south end of the Port property. Rework of interface to the East Shoreway could include a better road connection to the Amtrak station. Seems likely to be cheaper overall than replacing the long high-level bridge, especially if traffic disruption is taken into account.

 

Downsides: It's a tight fit on some sections of the road out to Whiskey Island. The bridge over the tracks that go to the ore docks would need the be rebuilt. Construction would likely significantly disrupt access to Whiskey Island - although building the eastern portion of the road and the bridge first would perhaps allow access from that direction while the western road is being built. Would likely interfere with the new pedestrian bridge over the rail line at Whiskey Island. Brings more traffic closer to Whiskey Island, possibly making it less peaceful. There's a warehouse at the Port of Cleveland that would have to relocate north. Depending on route there is possible interference with both the RTA tracks and the W 9th St. extension at the Port. If a high-level (90') bridge is still required, long ramps would be needed and the financial advantage is reduced. A drawbridge would likely enrage some motorists (and sailboaters with larger boats), but I say, "Screw 'em" 🙂.

 

 

Could always go 50-60 feet under the river's surface and take the railroad tracks down there with the road. It would require some steep grades for heavy freight trains, but those trains could be rerouted south of downtown on the Lakefront Bypass.

8 hours ago, KJP said:

How hard would it be to drive a truck full of toxins off of the Shoreway, at a higher speed, into the filtration plant?

 

I don't disagree at all, rather just pointing out there would be considerable pushback. 

 

This is Cleveland, where concrete barriers are necessary to protect Public Square from the hordes of terrorists on Superior Ave, yet a would-be attacker could launch a truck northbound from Ontario with ease.... 🤦‍♂️

 

 

2 hours ago, Cleburger said:

 

I don't disagree at all, rather just pointing out there would be considerable pushback. 

 

This is Cleveland, where concrete barriers are necessary to protect Public Square from the hordes of terrorists on Superior Ave, yet a would-be attacker could launch a truck northbound from Ontario with ease.... 🤦‍♂️

 

 

 

Might want to wait until the current administration is out before trying anything too progressive.

I thought the idea of tunneling under the river was silly. Then I thought of the Detroit river tunnel to Canada and it really makes sense. I guess i was thinking that it would be coming from the higher bluffs on the west side. 

  Still a very expensive proposition but like its said it will be pretty expensive with a new bridge and the maintenance is far higher for a bridge over time. 

 

If they tunnel under the river, that would also eliminate the rail bridge that currently needs to be raised and lowered. And if they kept the tunnel going to a point east of E 9th, that would eliminate the need for the proposed land bridge from Mall C to the lakefront.

This reminds me of the "Big Dig" in Boston...I like it!

Apparently the Center Street Swing Bridge is going to be closed for 14 months for rehab. It’s strange to think about how going all the way up to the Detroit Superior bridge is basically the detour. I hope the work goes quickly. 
 

 

 

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Apparently the Center Street Swing Bridge is going to be closed for 14 months for rehab. It’s strange to think about how going all the way up to the Detroit Superior bridge is basically the detour. I hope the work goes quickly. 
 

 

 

I’ll save anyone from having to attend the meeting and say that the bridge won’t close until July and will not be closed for longer than 12 months.

* Subscriber Exclusive *

NOACA ready to say ‘no’ to three new suburban highway interchanges based on detailed cost-benefit analysis

Steven Litt - Cleveland.com - Apr. 23, 2021

 

 

"Northeast Ohio’s biggest transportation planning agency is poised to nix, for now, three of the eight current proposals across the five-county region to build new or enhanced highway interchanges, according to recommendations prepared by the agency’s staff. Those recommendations, prepared by staff at NOACA, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, include turning down new full interchanges proposed at I-71 and Route 57 in Medina, I-71, and Boston Road in Strongsville, and I-271 and White Road in Northeast Cuyahoga County. ... In addition to the recommendation for the I-77 Miller Road interchange, NOACA’s staff looked favorably at completing partial interchanges at I-480 and Granger Road in Garfield Heights, and at Ohio 44 at Jackson Street in Painesville."

Bids are due today for the rehabilitation of Lake Avenue from West 117th Street east to Detroit Avenue in the City of Cleveland. Dodge Reports estimates the start of construction at about July 1.

19 hours ago, KJP said:

Bids are due today for the rehabilitation of Lake Avenue from West 117th Street east to Detroit Avenue in the City of Cleveland. Dodge Reports estimates the start of construction at about July 1.

Much needed, but then again the bumps and ruts act as a speed restrictors.  Once repaved and smooth it will become another commuter super-speedway!    It always makes me nervous driving eastbound passing all the parked cars....

Proposed ramp changes at I-77 & Rockside:

 

 https://www.cleveland.com/community/2021/05/independence-proposes-construction-on-highway-ramps-from-i-77-north-to-rockside-road.html

 

 

Edited May 17, 20214 yr by skiwest

I have questions...

 

 

 

Franklin Rd proposal - I agree

 

 

On 4/19/2021 at 7:38 PM, Boomerang_Brian said:

Apparently the Center Street Swing Bridge is going to be closed for 14 months for rehab. It’s strange to think about how going all the way up to the Detroit Superior bridge is basically the detour. I hope the work goes quickly. 
 

 

 

 

On 4/19/2021 at 9:35 PM, Enginerd said:

I’ll save anyone from having to attend the meeting and say that the bridge won’t close until July and will not be closed for longer than 12 months.

Good news: Center Street swing bridge closure delayed until January. 

 

 

One more reason we need more bike/pedestrian across the Cuyahoga river. When this bridge goes down it becomes a 40 min walk from Thirsty Dog to Shooters. 12 months is a long time for this bridge to be closed. 

Cross posted from Detroit Shoreway Dev thread:
Looks like pretty good road design on the extension of Battery Park Blvd between W 70th and W 73rd. 
 

 

Major Traffic Pattern Shift on I-480 Valley View Bridge Project

 

 

CLEVELAND (Tuesday, September 7, 2021) - Three years after beginning the Valley View Bridge project, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Walsh Construction design-build team have passed another major accomplishment with the replacement of the driving surface on the existing eastbound bridge.

 

“Seeing a project of this magnitude continue meeting milestones while working through a pandemic speaks volumes about the hard work of everyone involved,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Maintaining and improving our infrastructure makes traveling safer by improving the flow of traffic, which will ultimately reduce crashes.”

 

Since fall 2020, eastbound traffic was shifted onto the new Valley View Bridge. This allowed work to progress on the existing eastbound bridge without affecting traffic. Last week, eastbound traffic shifted back to the newly rehabilitated eastbound bridge. During the weekend of September 11 -13, westbound traffic will shift onto the new Valley View Bridge.

 

“Thanks to the planning of District 12 employees, the work on Ohio’s busiest bridge has had a minimal impact on traffic and allowed for the easy movement of people and goods throughout the area,” said ODOT District 12 Deputy Director John Picuri.

 

Beginning Friday night through Monday morning, there will be several closures and restrictions to facilitate the westbound traffic shift.

 

• I-480 westbound to I-77 northbound and southbound ramps will be closed on Friday, September 11, start at 7 p.m. through Monday, September 13, at 6 a.m.
  • Detour will be I-480 east to State Rd. to I-480 west

• I-480 between I-77 and Transportation Blvd. will have various off-peak lane restrictions on Friday, September 11, beginning at 7 p.m. through Monday, September 13, at 6 a.m.

• Transportation Blvd. entrance ramp to I-480 westbound will be closed on Friday, September 11, start at 7 p.m. through Monday, September 13, at 6 a.m.

• Beginning Monday, September 13, all I-480 westbound traffic will officially be traveling on the new I-480 Valley View Bridge through Summer 2022, as crews work on the existing I-480 westbound bridge. Westbound traffic will still have access to the I-77 interchange and exit to Transportation Blvd.

Work to replace the driving surface of the westbound bridge will begin in mid-September and continue through the summer of 2022.

 

Work remaining on the project includes the painting of the structures and creation of the final traffic pattern on the new bridge. In its final configuration, the new bridge will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction. The two westbound lanes on the new bridge will bypass the I-77 interchange for motorists continuing on I-480. In the eastbound direction, the two lanes on the new bridge will bypass the Transportation Boulevard exit.

 

All three bridges are expected to be open to traffic in fall 2023. Stay up-to-date on this project by visiting the project webpage.

I believe this would be NEO's first diverging diamond interchange - 422 at Harper in Solon:

 

https://twitter.com/SolonChamberOH/status/1441083461624762368/photo/1 

Not sure where the best place to post this since it covers more than just Cleveland, but Cuyahoga and Summit counties take 3 of the top 5 spots. Which is...cool...? 🙄

 

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2021/10/here-are-the-costliest-ohio-highway-construction-projects-currently-underway.html

Roll out the barrels.

 

https://www.wkyc.com/article/traffic/ohio-department-of-transportation-announces-2022-construction-schedule/95-4d200acf-b69c-4a91-b2af-d120bfd9efc9

Siri: why do Clevelanders drive so damn fast and pedestrians at risk?

 

 

Cleveland metro highway history:

 

On 11/7/2019 at 1:35 PM, Guest skiwest said:

Is anyone annoyed by the bottleneck on I-480 westbound at I-71?  I-480 westbound is reduced from 4 lanes to 2 lanes at that location, which often results in traffic backups during the evening rush hour.  The problem is compounded by motorists from I-71 northbound merging onto I-480 westbound.  They find themselves in an "exit only" lane for the airport and have a short distance to switch to a thru lane if they are not going to the airport.  Maybe someday ODOT can add another lane to that section of I-480.  

 

It looks like someday has arrived.  

 

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/02/odot-hopes-to-improve-i-480-congestion-near-cleveland-hopkins-airport.html

Yikes- road collapse downtown, Ontario/ St Clair

 

Patton is still trying to get an additional I-71 interchange built between Strongsville and Brunswick. The latter is pushing back hard.

 

3 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Patton is still trying to get an additional I-71 interchange built between Strongsville and Brunswick. The latter is pushing back hard.

 

Tiny violins for these two suburbs.... 

Here’s an update on the St Clair / Ontario sinkhole. 

 

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Here’s an update on the St Clair / Ontario sinkhole. 

 

I look down into this thing every day. It's amazing how many utilities are down there. 

I hope no one needs to get from the east bank to the west bank this week.
 

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

I hope no one needs to get from the east bank to the west bank this week.
 

 

 

 

 

 

@mermaidlindsay was telling me that it took someone 40 minutes to figure out how to get to Cantanese Seafood last weekend. The city can do better.

Edited May 19, 20232 yr by GISguy

Columbus Rd lift bridge has reopened. 
 

 

State Overreach of Power Demands Neighborhood Be Torn Down for New Interchange

Seairra Sheppard - Strong Towns - August 9, 2023

 

 

"'It's just fiscally irresponsible,' said Hanek. 'This would bankrupt the city for all intents and purposes and long-term economic development.' ... Even if the state pays for the construction of the interchange, Brunswick would still be forced to contribute millions to the project. ... Because the interchange is now a legal matter that Brunswick is forced to implement, they must set aside their original city plans to cater to the new state law. ... 'We are being forced to take a step back by our neighbor to the north,' Boey said. 'The fact that this is being forced upon my community, even though we've got no say, is just wildly wrong.'"