Presidents' Day Commute: Red Line Delays and New Construction on East 91st St
Morning Commute Overview
Cleveland commuters should prepare for a mix of holiday schedules and significant transit delays this Monday, February 16, 2026. While the Presidents' Day holiday typically brings lighter traffic volume to major arteries like I-90 and I-77, those relying on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) or traveling through the East Side will face specific challenges throughout the day.
Public Transit: RTA Red Line Alert
The most pressing concern for morning travelers is a system-wide alert for the GCRTA Red Line. Due to the impact of sustained cold weather on rail equipment, Red Line trains are currently operating on a reduced 30-minute frequency until further notice. This is a significant departure from standard service, and riders are urged to build in at least 30 minutes of additional travel time. Despite the holiday, RTA is operating on a full weekday service schedule today, though the Telephone Information Center and main offices remain closed for the holiday. Paratransit scheduling remains open to assist riders.
Bus riders should also note that several routes are operating with active reroutes. Routes 18 (Warner Road), 22 (Lorain), and the 55-55B-55C (Cleveland State Line) are impacted by long-term construction projects on Warner Road and West 210th Street. Commuters should check the RTA app for real-time bus positioning before heading to their stops.
Major Roadworks and New Projects
On the roads, a new infrastructure project begins today in Ward 8. Enbridge Gas Ohio is launching a pipeline replacement project on East 91st Street (east side from St. Clair Avenue to 763 East 91st) and East 92nd Street (west side from St. Clair Avenue to Hillcock Avenue). Work crews will be active from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. While two-way traffic is being maintained with the help of traffic control personnel, significant delays are expected near the St. Clair Avenue intersections during work hours.
In the University Circle area, the Carnegie Avenue rehabilitation project continues to restrict traffic flow. Carnegie remains reduced to only one lane in each direction between East 79th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as crews reconstruct the southern portion of the roadway. This remains a persistent bottleneck for those traveling to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals campus.
Regional Highway Updates
For highway drivers, the I-480 and I-77 interchange remains the primary construction zone in the region. Major ramp closures are in effect, specifically for the I-480 eastbound ramp to I-77 northbound and the I-480 westbound ramp to I-77 southbound. Detours are currently routing traffic toward Transportation Boulevard and State Route 17 (Brookpark Road). Additionally, the State Route 176 (Jennings Freeway) northbound exit ramp to West 14th Street and I-71 southbound is closed for bridge deck replacement, with a scheduled completion in the spring.
Drivers are reminded that although traffic may feel lighter due to school and government closures, standard weekday work zones remain active across the city. Please use caution and watch for work crews on all major routes.