Cleveland Drivers Face Weeknight Closures on I-71 and I-480 Bridge Project
CLEVELAND, OH — Commuters in Cleveland should brace for significant traffic disruptions this week as part of the ongoing I-71 and I-480 bridge replacement project. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced a series of overnight closures and detours that will impact drivers traveling through the area.
The $200 million project, expected to wrap up in July 2028, aims to modernize aging infrastructure and improve traffic flow. But for now, motorists will need to plan ahead to avoid delays.
Key Closures and Detours This Week
Monday Night (April 20 – April 21)
- I-480 eastbound under I-71 will close from 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.
- Detour: Take I-480 east to I-71 south, exit at Snow Road, then head north on I-71 to reconnect with I-480 east.
Tuesday Night (April 21 – April 22)
- I-480 westbound under I-71 will shut down from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.
- Detour: Follow I-480 west to I-71 south, exit at Snow Road, then take Engle Road north to Brookpark Road west before rejoining I-480 west.
Thursday & Friday Nights (April 23 – April 24)
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I-71 northbound ramp to I-480 west will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
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Detour: Continue north on I-71 to W. 150th Street, then loop back south to access I-480 west.
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SR 237 northbound ramp to I-480 east will also close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
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Detour: Use Brookpark Road to W. 139th Street to reach I-480 east.
Planning Ahead for Smoother Travel
ODOT urges drivers to check real-time traffic updates on OHGO, the state’s traffic monitoring system, before heading out. The agency also recommends allowing extra travel time or considering alternate routes during construction hours.
For a full list of active projects in Cuyahoga County, visit ODOT’s official traffic advisory page.
With construction season ramping up, Cleveland drivers should stay alert for changing road conditions—especially during overnight hours when crews are most active.
— Reported by Nexio News
