BEREA, Ohio — It's construction season in Northeast Ohio, and while progress is progress, various projects will likely be causing some headaches for drivers near the Cuyahoga-Lorain County border in the ensuing months.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission announced Friday it will close the eastbound onramp to Interstate 80 from Lorain Road (state Route 10) in North Ridgeville beginning this Wednesday as crews begin replacing the mainline bridge that runs over the street. That entrance to Toll Plaza 152 will be shut down until Aug. 1, although the westbound entrance as well as the eastbound offramp from the highway will remain open.
"We understand that temporary closures can result in inconveniences for our customers, businesses, and local communities, and whenever possible, we avoid the disruptions," Chris Matta, chief engineer and deputy executive director for the turnpike commission, said in a statement. "Our staff has previously contacted business owners and met with local officials in Lorain County to inform them about project and address their concerns."
According to officials, Phase I of the project will see workers partially remove the eastbound bridge decks at mileposts 152.1 and 152.3, with the left and left shoulder lanes remaining open to traffic while the center and right lanes are repaved. Once this portion of the job is completed, the onramp will be reopened on Aug. 1, at which time vehicles will be directed back to the left and left shoulder lanes as work begins on the remaining two lanes.
During the onramp closure over the next three-plus months, drivers seeking to get on the eastbound Turnpike will be directed to take a detour from Lorain Road north to I-480 east to I-71 south, where they can enter via Toll Plaza 161 in Strongsville. While the Route 10 onramp will be up and running again in August, the entire bridge project is expected to be completed by Oct. 25, with the westbound lanes then getting the same treatment next year.
While this occurs, construction crews will also be fully replacing the deck for North Ridgeville's Bagley Road bridge that runs over the Turnpike, meaning that entire portion of the street will be closed from April 29 until Oct. 25. The detour around the bridge includes Lorain Road to Cook Road to Stearns Road and back to Bagley, and while there will be no permanent closures on I-80 during this process, "some intermittent lane closures will be scheduled," according to the commission.
Matta is also encouraging drivers to remain safe as workers become more common on the highway, such as paying attention to signs and slowing down when necessary. Anyone seeking emergency assistance or wishing to report an unsafe driver in Ohio can do so by calling either 677 or 911.
"The highway construction season begins in April, so raising awareness of work zone safety is a top priority," Matta added. "By eliminating dangerous driving behaviors, most vehicle crashes are preventable."
