Bitter Cold and Track Maintenance Cause Delays for Cleveland Commuters

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Cleveland this Wednesday, January 28, 2026, are facing a challenging morning drive as the region remains gripped by the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. While major highways like I-90 and I-71 have been largely cleared of heavy accumulation, dangerously low temperatures are impacting road treatment efficacy. With wind chills reaching between -20 and -30 degrees Fahrenheit, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that traditional road salt is losing its effectiveness. Crews from District 12 are currently using a mixture of brine and sugar beet byproducts to provide traction on slick spots, particularly on bridges and overpasses where ice is likely to re-form.

Major Highway and Construction Alerts

Several long-term construction projects continue to impact traffic flow across Cuyahoga County today. Motorists should plan for extra travel time on the following routes:

• I-77 at Wallings Road: The bridge replacement and interchange improvement project remains a major bottleneck. Wallings Road is closed between West Mill Road and Mill Road. Commuters should utilize the detour via Pleasant Valley Road, using Brecksville Road and Broadview Road to bypass the closure. Additionally, the I-77 southbound entrance and exit ramps at Wallings Road are currently closed.
• I-90 Rehabilitation: Major work continues between Hilliard Blvd. and West Blvd. through Cleveland, Lakewood, and Rocky River. I-90 eastbound is reduced to three lanes near Alger Road for pavement replacement. Drivers should also watch for lane shifts and short-duration ramp closures between West Blvd. and Hillard Blvd.
• I-480/I-77 Interchange: Expect significant delays at this junction due to bridge deck replacements. Ramps from I-480 eastbound to I-77 northbound and I-480 westbound to I-77 southbound are closed. The primary detour for northbound travelers is to continue to Transportation Boulevard and loop back to I-480 west.

GCRTA Public Transit Updates

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) has activated its Winterization Plan to combat the extreme cold. Riders should be aware of specific service adjustments scheduled for today:

Scheduled track maintenance will result in single-tracking on the Blue and Green Lines between E. 55th and Woodhill from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Travelers on these lines should allow for at least 15 to 20 minutes of additional travel time. On the Red Line, service may be limited to 30-minute frequencies at certain stations as GCRTA operates "snow trains" to keep the overhead lines clear of ice buildup. While rail service is prioritized, bus routes may also experience delays depending on local street conditions.

Service Announcements and Safety

Despite the weather, GCRTA is moving forward with a Transit Police Hiring Event today, January 28. For those driving, officials urge extreme caution. If you must be on the roads, maintain a significant following distance from snowplows and salt trucks. Given the sub-zero temperatures, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit containing blankets and jumper cables, as vehicle breakdowns can become life-threatening in these conditions.