Cleveland's Shoreway Makeover: Lakefront Gem or Traffic Nightmare?

CLEVELAND, Ohio – For decades, residents of Northeast Ohio have zipped through the north side of downtown at high speeds on the Shoreway, a highway that connects various parts of the city. This stretch near the football stadium, Great Lakes Science Center, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been a familiar route for many commuters since its construction 85 years ago.

However, plans are in motion to transform this section of the Shoreway into a more pedestrian-friendly boulevard by 2027. The proposed changes include tearing out approximately six-tenths of a mile of the existing highway between East Ninth Street and the Lakeside Avenue ramp. In its place will be a four-lane boulevard with traffic lights at several intersections, aiming to enhance accessibility and connectivity to the lakefront.

One significant aspect of this transformation involves demolishing the Shoreway bridge in front of the stadium while preserving the portion that spans the Cuyahoga River Valley to the west. City planners emphasize that the primary goal is to extend the downtown street grid northward, creating a more inviting environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. They argue that the change would only add a few minutes to rush-hour commutes.

Despite these intentions, some city council members express concerns. Councilman Michael Polensek voiced skepticism about the impact on cross-town travel, particularly for East Siders and West Siders. Colleague Brian Kazy warned of potential detours through downtown as drivers might opt for alternative routes like Lakeside Avenue. Councilman Charles Slife supported much of the lakefront plan but advocated for retaining the last segment of the Shoreway bridge.

Nonetheless, the council approved the project with a vote of 12-3, accepting a $20 million state grant towards the $284 million initiative. Additional funding includes $130 million from federal sources, with the city covering the remaining costs.

The mayor's office remains committed to the project, citing extensive community feedback gathered over three years and a comprehensive traffic study indicating minimal disruption for motorists. According to the study, the current 53-second journey at 50 mph would increase to about one minute and 11 seconds at 35 mph without considering traffic signals or turns.

From the east, the redesigned Shoreway will terminate at East Ninth Street, featuring traffic lights at key points including Erieside Avenue and West Third Street. From the west, motorists will encounter similar signals plus additional ones at Lakeside and West Third streets.

Approximately 35,000 vehicles traverse this section daily, comparable to the traffic volume on the Opportunity Corridor. In contrast, Interstate 90 sees around 121,000 vehicles per day, while other major thoroughfares handle significantly less traffic.

City officials anticipate that converting the Shoreway into a boulevard will reduce cross-town traffic by about one-third, redirecting it to Interstate 90. However, Councilman Slife challenges this assumption, suggesting potential delays on I-90 or increased congestion on the new boulevard.

Community outreach efforts began in 2022, yielding over 1,700 comment cards and 5,000 survey responses. These inputs were instrumental in shaping the final plan. Bonita Teeuwen, the city's chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of avoiding past mistakes seen in the West Shoreway conversion, which failed to meet initial development goals due to opposition.

Jessica Trivisonno, senior advisor for major projects, highlighted the vision of connecting people to the lakefront. Key elements include eliminating Alfred Learner Way to create open space and constructing an access road for the port at a lower level next to railroad tracks.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) deferred planning responsibilities to Cleveland, as state routes within cities fall under municipal jurisdiction. ODOT's role was more pronounced during the West Shoreway project due to their leadership in that endeavor.

The project received crucial approval from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency in March, paving the way for federal funding. While construction is slated to start in 2027, details regarding the demolition of the existing highway bridge remain undetermined. Initial phases may focus on building the new land bridge, with all work expected to conclude by 2030.

A second phase extending east of East Ninth Street is also planned, although no timeline or funding has been secured yet. As Cleveland moves forward with this transformative initiative, the balance between modernization and maintaining efficient transportation remains a central theme.