Residents of southwest Cleveland suburbs who commute downtown or travel to sporting events and concerts should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as a major Interstate 90 ramp closure extends through the end of 2025.
The closure of the I-90 East ramp to East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland is frustrating drivers who rely on this route to access the heart of the city. The extended construction timeline means motorists from Parma, Strongsville, Brook Park, and surrounding communities will need to find alternative routes for months to come.
For fans heading to Progressive Field for Guardians games or Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for Cavaliers matchups and concerts, the closure adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging downtown parking and traffic situation. The East 9th Street exit serves as a primary access point for many of these venues.
Transportation officials are working on the project as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements in the downtown corridor, but the lengthy timeline has tested the patience of regular commuters who depend on predictable routes.
Drivers from the southwest suburbs typically access downtown via I-71 North or I-480 to I-77 North, with many then connecting to I-90 for the final approach to the East 9th Street area. With this key ramp out of commission, motorists are being forced to navigate unfamiliar detours or sit through additional traffic congestion at alternative exits.
Local officials recommend that commuters allow extra travel time and explore alternate routes before heading downtown. Using the East 22nd Street exit or the Ontario Street exit are among the options available to drivers seeking to reach the East 9th Street corridor.
The closure serves as a reminder for suburban residents to check traffic conditions before heading to downtown events or workplaces, particularly during peak travel times and on game days.
SOURCE: Original reporting by News 5 Cleveland