CLEVELAND (WJW) – A bridge near the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has suddenly closed for emergency repairs, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
In a media release, dated Sept. 3, ODOT officials announced that “effective immediately” the State Route 17 (Brookpark Road) bridge between West 220th Street and NASA Parkway – over Valley Parkway and the Cleveland Metroparks – was closed.
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According to the release, plans have been in the works for a major rehabilitation project of the bridge. Construction was tentatively planned to begin in 2028, but a decision to immediately close the bridge was made after “further analysis” as part of the design process.
“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to more extensive deterioration of the floor beams supporting the driving surface of the bridge,” stated the release. “The closure will remain in effect until further notice as ODOT and consultants work on both short and long-term solutions.”
In the meantime, motorists are told to plan for detours:
- Eastbound traffic will be detoured via Clague Rd. to I-480 east to the SR 17/SR 237 exit.
- Westbound traffic will be detoured via Grayton Rd. to I-480 west to Clague Rd. to Brookpark Rd.
ODOT said it completes annual inspections of the bridge, which opened more than 90 years ago, in 1933…