AKRON, Ohio — After it was closed for nearly 90 minutes "as a precautionary measure as police and fire crews investigate suspicious items found nearby," the city of Akron announced at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday that I-76 was reopening in both directions from the Central Interchange to the Kenmore Boulevard exit.
"The suspicious item was a barrel and it has been cleared by safety crews and is not a threat," according to an update from the city of Akron.
The closure was announced at 10:13 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the Akron Fire Department, the "cylindrical object" was found on South Main Street underneath the I-76 overpass. It was on top of a cement pillar underneath the bridge truss.
"On the object was writing that indicated it was possibly an explosive device," Akron fire officials noted.
While all traffic on I-76 and S. Main was diverted and a large perimeter was placed for safety, members of the Akron Fire Department, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Summit County Sheriff's Office were able to "safely and methodically check the object," which was found not to be an explosive device.
No injuries were reported.
