I-90 Westbound Closure at MLK Drive Impacts Wednesday Morning Commute

Major Traffic Alert: I-90 Westbound Closure

Cleveland commuters heading into the city this morning, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, should prepare for significant delays on the east side. Following a fatal single-vehicle crash late Tuesday night, the Cleveland Division of Fire and local authorities have closed Interstate 90 westbound near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. As of the early morning hours, all westbound traffic is being rerouted off the highway at the Eddy Road exit on the Bratenahl border. It remains unclear when the lanes will fully reopen, and heavy congestion is expected to spill onto Shoreway alternatives and local streets through the duration of the morning rush.

Ongoing Highway Construction and Lane Reductions

Beyond the emergency closure, several long-term ODOT projects continue to impact major arteries across Cuyahoga County today:

• I-90 Westside Rehabilitation: On the city's west side, I-90 eastbound remains reduced to three lanes between Hilliard Boulevard and Alger Road. This pavement replacement project is part of a larger rehabilitation effort slated to continue through late 2026.
• I-77 and Wallings Road: In Broadview Heights, the Wallings Road bridge over I-77 is currently closed for replacement. Additionally, the I-77 southbound entrance and exit ramps at Wallings Road are inaccessible. Drivers are advised to use Pleasant Valley Road as the primary detour.
• U.S. 6 (Chardon Road): Lane restrictions are in effect for the U.S. 6 bridge over I-271 in Willoughby Hills as crews begin a multi-year replacement project. Expect narrowed lanes and slower speeds in this corridor.

Local Roadworks and Utility Projects

In the University Circle and Midtown areas, rehabilitation projects are affecting local flow:

• Carnegie Avenue: Phase 2 of the Carnegie Avenue rehabilitation continues between East 79th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. One lane of traffic is being maintained in each direction, but motorists should expect bottlenecking during peak hours.
• East 91st and 92nd Streets: Infrastructure work by Enbridge Gas Ohio is underway near St. Clair Avenue. While two-way traffic is being maintained with the help of flaggers, parking and sidewalk access are restricted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Event Alert: Cleveland Auto Show

The 2026 Cleveland Auto Show is currently in full swing at the I-X Center. While the morning commute is primarily impacted by work-bound traffic, those traveling near the Brookpark Road and State Route 237 corridor should expect increased volume throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the I-X Center's designated parking gates to avoid backup onto the main highway ramps.

Public Transit and Safety Reminders

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is currently operating on a regular schedule, though riders are encouraged to monitor the Transit app for any localized bus delays due to the I-90 Westbound rerouting. Following a brief round of snow and wind overnight, road surfaces may be slick in shaded areas. Commuters are urged to maintain a safe following distance, especially when navigating the active work zones on I-90 and Carnegie Avenue.