Slick Roads and Major Interstate Construction Slow Tuesday Morning Commute

Winter Weather Impacts and Road Conditions

Commuters in Cleveland this morning, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, are facing challenging conditions following the recent heavy snowfall. While road crews have been active overnight, many primary and secondary arteries remain snow-covered and slick. Temperatures have plummeted to a bitter 5°F, causing salt to lose effectiveness in several areas. Drivers on I-71 should anticipate significantly slower speeds, particularly near the Metro Health curve, where lane coverage is still reported.

• Snow Parking Bans: Several municipalities across Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland and Akron, have active emergency parking bans. Residents are advised to move vehicles off the streets to allow for continuous plowing.
• Highway Hazards: I-90 and I-71 traffic is moving at roughly 15-20 mph below the speed limit in most stretches. Black ice remains a high risk on overpasses and ramps.

Ongoing Highway Construction and Closures

Despite the winter weather, long-term infrastructure projects continue to dictate traffic patterns across the region. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 12 reminds motorists of several critical work zones that are impacting the morning drive:

• I-90 Major Rehabilitation: The ongoing pavement replacement project between West Boulevard and Hilliard Boulevard has resulted in narrowed lanes and shifted traffic patterns. Expect delays in the Rocky River and Lakewood corridors.
• I-77 at Wallings Road: The southbound entrance and exit ramps at Wallings Road remain closed for bridge replacement and widening. This closure is expected to last through April 2026. Commuters should continue to use the Pleasant Valley Road detour.
• SR 176 (Jennings Freeway): The exit ramp to West 14th Street and Steelyard Commons remains restricted as bridge deck replacement nears its final phase.

GCRTA Public Transit Alerts

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) has activated its Winterization Plan to combat the severe cold. Commuters relying on public transport should check schedules frequently due to weather-related interruptions.

Snow trains are currently operating on the Red, Blue, and Green lines to keep tracks clear of ice and snow. However, GCRTA reports that Red Line service may be limited to 30-minute intervals at various stations this morning. Bus riders should prepare for delays as drivers navigate residential streets that have not yet been fully cleared. Additionally, due to regional rock salt shortages, some GCRTA parking lots may be plowed but not salted.

Airport and Regional Travel

For those heading to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), airlines have issued operational recovery notices. Several flights have been delayed or cancelled due to the winter storm conditions across the Great Lakes region. Passengers are encouraged to confirm flight status before leaving home.