Starting from July 31, drivers in the Cleveland area will face new challenges on Interstate 490 as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) begins the next phase of its $70 million ambitious reconstruction project. This ongoing project, in its second year, involves repaving, repairing bridges over the Cuyahoga River, and upgrading infrastructure that officials say has long needed modernization. However, for thousands of local residents and transit drivers, this means months of inconvenience, detours, and the need to stay alert on the road.
New closures of exits complicate traffic
From Thursday, the westbound exit from I-490 to West 7th Street and the entrance from Rockefeller Drive onto westbound I-490 will be closed. According to ODOT, these closures are necessary for replacing worn pavement and performing major bridge repairs. Both exits will remain closed until November, forcing drivers to adapt to detours that are already causing concern among residents.
For those who regularly use the West 7th Street exit, ODOT has developed a detour route that runs via westbound I-490 to SR-176, then south to Steelyard Drive North, and ends at Quigley Road. Drivers entering I-490 from Rockefeller Drive will be redirected to Broadway Avenue North, then to East 30th Street, and further to I-77 southbound. Although these routes are carefully planned, they have already been met with skepticism by drivers worried about congestion and delays during peak hours.
“It sounds like a headache — says Linda Thomas, a local resident who commutes daily through I-490 — Detours are never as simple as promised, especially when everyone tries to travel at the same time.”
Broader context: upgrading outdated infrastructure
The I-490 reconstruction project is part of a broader initiative by the Ohio state to modernize interstates, many of which have not seen major repairs in decades. According to Brent Covax, a public relations representative for ODOT, the project encompasses not only asphalt replacement but also comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. “We are completely replacing the pavement, repairing bridges, drainage systems, concrete dividers, and even street lighting,” Covax explained. “This is a large-scale reconstruction aimed at making this section of I-490 safer and more efficient.”
Work on the bridges, especially those crossing the Cuyahoga River, is critically important. Bridges built in the mid-20th century are suffering from erosion and structural wear, posing potential risks to drivers. According to ODOT, bridge repairs include strengthening foundations and replacing degraded materials to ensure durability.
Challenges for drivers and construction workers
ODOT urges drivers to exercise caution as construction takes place on the western section of I-490. The presence of construction equipment and workers increases the risk of accidents, especially during heavy traffic. “We ask drivers to be attentive,” Covax emphasized. “Pay attention to signs, follow posted speed limits, and respect the zones where our teams are working.”
Local businesses near I-490 are also preparing for possible reductions in customer traffic due to limited access. “When the exits are closed, people find it harder to reach us,” notes Michael Ramiְrez, owner of a small coffee shop on West 7th Street. “We hope drivers won’t give up on visiting our area.”
Long-term benefit or short-term pain?
While the inconvenience of closed exits and detours is evident, ODOT promises that the project will meet expectations. Completion of the reconstruction, scheduled for fall 2026, aims to provide smoother traffic flow, safer bridges, and modern infrastructure that meets the needs of an expanding region. However, for drivers who travel I-490 daily, the coming months will be a test of patience.
In Cleveland, a city proud of its resilience, the I-490 reconstruction is yet another reminder of the cost of progress. While bulldozers roar and road signs redirect traffic, drivers can only hope that the promised modernization is worth the temporary discomfort.
