Wintry Mix and New Construction Starts Impact Monday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters across Greater Cleveland are facing a double challenge this Monday, February 23, 2026, as accumulating snow meets several new major construction phases. With temperatures hovering in the high 20s and a steady dusting of snow expected throughout the day, road surfaces are increasingly slick. Local authorities are reporting a significant increase in travel times on major arteries, particularly on the East Side where new projects are officially launching today.

New Construction Impacts: I-271 and Carnegie Avenue

Two major infrastructure projects are beginning their latest phases today, which will likely disrupt standard traffic patterns for the foreseeable future. On the East Side, lane restrictions have commenced on I-271 at the U.S. Route 6 (Chardon Road) interchange in the Willoughby Hills area. These restrictions affect both the bridge over the highway and the lanes below. Drivers should expect localized congestion and merging delays as crews begin bridge replacement work scheduled to last through 2027.

Closer to the city center, Carnegie Avenue has transitioned to a restricted traffic pattern between East 28th Street and East 22nd Street. Westbound lanes are reduced to facilitate utility and roadwork. While this phase is expected to conclude by late February, it is currently adding pressure to the morning inbound rush from the University Circle area toward Downtown. Motorists are advised to utilize Chester Avenue or Euclid Avenue as alternate routes into the city.

Ongoing Regional Closures

• I-77 and Wallings Road: The Wallings Road bridge between West Mill Road and Mill Road remains closed for replacement and widening. Furthermore, the I-77 southbound entrance and exit ramps at Wallings Road are fully closed. Detours remain in place via Pleasant Valley Road.
• I-90 Eastbound: Traffic remains reduced to three lanes between Hilliard Boulevard and Alger Road. This long-term project for pavement replacement continues to cause bottlenecks during peak morning hours.
• West Side Utilities: A pipeline infrastructure replacement project on East 91st and East 92nd Streets near St. Clair Avenue continues to maintain two-way traffic but with significant flagging operations that may slow neighborhood access.

Public Transit and Weather Advisories

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) reports that standard service has been restored on the Red Line between East 55th and Windermere. However, commuters should still allow for extra time due to service track adjustments at Tower City and potential weather-related delays across all rail lines. Additionally, the elevator at the Stokes-Windermere station is currently out of service, which may impact accessibility for some riders.

With accumulating snow forecasted through the evening, slushy conditions are expected to persist. Salt crews are active, but drivers are urged to maintain a safe following distance, particularly on the Shoreway and the Innerbelt Bridge where ice typically forms first as temperatures drop.