Dense Fog and Major Highway Projects Impact Thursday Commute

Morning Fog Advisory and Weather Conditions

Commuters across the Greater Cleveland area are facing a difficult start to the day this Thursday, February 19, 2026. Early morning reports indicate dense fog across the region, significantly reducing visibility on major interstates including I-90, I-71, and I-77. The National Weather Service suggests that visibility may drop to less than a quarter-mile in some low-lying areas. Drivers are urged to utilize low-beam headlights and maintain a safe following distance. Rain is expected to move into the area by late afternoon, which may further complicate the evening rush hour.

Major Highway Construction and Lane Reductions

Infrastructure projects continue to be the primary cause of delays for those heading into the city center. On Interstate 90, the major rehabilitation project between Hilliard Boulevard and West Boulevard remains a significant bottleneck. Eastbound traffic is currently reduced to three lanes for pavement replacement and bridge repairs. This restriction is part of a long-term project and is expected to persist through much of the year, often causing backups that stretch into Rocky River and Lakewood during peak hours.

To the south, the Interstate 77 corridor is seeing heavy congestion near Wallings Road. The bridge replacement project has entered a critical phase, resulting in the total closure of Wallings Road between West Mill Road and Mill Road. Detours are currently in place using Pleasant Valley Road. Additionally, the ramps from I-77 to Wallings Road remain closed, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes into Broadview Heights.

In the heart of Cleveland, the Central Interchange modernization project is now active. Motorists traveling between East 9th Street and Carnegie Avenue should prepare for shifting lane patterns as crews begin preliminary work on this multi-year Innerbelt upgrade. While all lanes are currently open, the narrowing of the shoulders and the presence of heavy equipment are causing localized slowing.

Local Roadwork and Surface Street Alerts

On the city's east side, Carnegie Avenue rehabilitation continues between East 79th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Traffic is restricted to a single lane in both directions, which is creating substantial delays for those traveling toward University Circle. Furthermore, a pipeline infrastructure replacement project on East 91st Street is underway near St. Clair Avenue. While two-way traffic is being maintained with the help of flaggers, commuters should expect intermittent stoppages throughout the workday.

Public Transit and GCRTA Service Updates

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is currently observing Ohio Loves Transit Week, promoting public transportation options across the county. However, riders should be aware of several construction-related reroutes today:

• Route 18 (West 98 - Garfield): Rerouted due to Warner Road construction.
• Route 22 (Lorain) and Route 55 (Cleveland State Line): Experiencing reroutes near West 210th Street.
• Route 37 (Hayden - East 185): Rerouted around construction on East 156th Street.

GCRTA passengers are encouraged to use the real-time tracking app to monitor bus arrival times, as the morning fog and local roadwork may lead to slight deviations from the standard schedule.