Lane Reductions on I-90 and Ramp Closures Near Steelyard Highlight Cleveland's Thursday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Thursday, January 22, 2026

Cleveland commuters can expect a mix of long-term construction impacts and positive news for transit riders this morning. While major artery rehabilitations continue to restrict lane capacity on the west side, the Regional Transit Authority has restored full service to major rail lines, providing a reliable alternative for those looking to avoid highway congestion.

Major Highway and Construction Alerts

Drivers utilizing the main highway corridors should be prepared for significant bottlenecks in the following areas:

• I-90 Eastbound (Lakewood/Cleveland): Traffic remains reduced to three lanes between Hilliard Boulevard and Alger Road for ongoing pavement replacement. Expect slow-moving traffic during the morning peak as the merge points often cause backups stretching toward Rocky River.
• I-77 at Wallings Road: The bridge replacement project in Broadview Heights remains a major disruption. Wallings Road is currently closed between West Mill Road and Mill Road. Furthermore, the I-77 southbound entrance and exit ramps at Wallings Road are closed through April 2026. Drivers are advised to use Pleasant Valley Road as a primary detour.
• Jennings Freeway (SR 176): The northbound exit ramp to West 14th Street, which provides access to I-71 South and Steelyard Commons, is closed for a bridge deck replacement. This closure is expected to remain in place until the spring, requiring shoppers and commuters to use alternative exits at Harvard Avenue or Quigley Road.
• I-271 Interchange: Lane shifts and shoulder closures continue near the Cedar Road and Brainard Road exit as crews work on interchange improvements.

Greater Cleveland RTA Service Restoration

There is good news for public transit users today. As of yesterday, January 21, the Greater Cleveland RTA has restored normal service for the Red, Blue, and Green lines between Tower City and the East 55th Street stations. This follows the completion of recent track work that had previously forced riders onto replacement bus links. However, a few minor alerts remain in effect:

• Red Line: While rail service is restored to Windermere, the elevator at the Louis Stokes-Windermere Station is currently out of service. Riders requiring ADA access should plan for additional travel time or use nearby bus alternatives.
• Bus Route 22 (Lorain): Construction on West 210th Street is forcing local reroutes. If your commute involves this segment, expect minor delays and check for temporary bus stop relocations.
• Amenities Note: As a reminder, RTA has officially discontinued free Wi-Fi service across its fleet of buses and trains as part of recent budget adjustments.

Ohio Turnpike and Local Notes

Motorists on the Ohio Turnpike should be aware that new toll rate schedules for 2026 took effect earlier this month. Additionally, while the Turnpike Commission has approved a massive capital budget for the year, winter bridge maintenance is active, which may result in intermittent single-lane patterns during non-peak hours. Locally, avoid the area near Alfred Lerner Way and Erieside if possible, as utility and road adjustments often restrict access to the lakefront district during the winter months.