Cleveland Streets Receive Poor Grades in Citywide Report Card

44% of Cleveland's roads earn an 'F' rating, highlighting infrastructure challenges

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new report from the City of Cleveland has revealed that 44% of the city's streets received a failing 'F' grade, with an additional 15% earning a 'D' rating. The assessment, conducted by outside consultants, grades each street segment on a scale of A to F based on factors like pavement condition and weathering. While failing grades may help secure more funding for road repairs, the city's infrastructure challenges are exacerbated by harsh winters and the corrosive effects of road salt.

Why it matters

The poor condition of Cleveland's streets is a longstanding issue that impacts public safety, commute times, and the overall livability of the city. With nearly 60% of roads graded as 'D' or 'F', the city faces a significant backlog of needed repairs and resurfacing projects. Addressing these infrastructure challenges will require increased funding and coordination between City Hall and local neighborhoods.

The details

The street grading system divides Cleveland's roads into block-by-block segments, with each section receiving an individual A-F rating. While some streets like Abell Avenue earned across-the-board failing grades, other thoroughfares like parts of Albion Road saw a mix of 'C' and 'D' ratings depending on the specific block. City officials attribute the poor conditions to the harsh winters and the use of road salt, which accelerates corrosion and pavement damage through the freeze-thaw cycle.

  • The street grading assessment was conducted in 2025 and the results were released in early 2026.

The players

Tyler Sinclair

A spokesman for the City of Cleveland who discussed the impact of harsh winters and road salt on the city's infrastructure.

Justin Bibb

The Mayor of Cleveland, who will be involved in upcoming budget negotiations to determine funding levels for street resurfacing projects.

Cleveland City Council

The city's legislative body, which fought to add an additional $8 million to the street resurfacing budget in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Harsh winters force the city to use road salt to make them safe to drive, but that salt 'significantly damages our roads as it accelerates corrosion and structurally weakens pavement through the freeze-thaw cycle, which then leads to potholes, cracks, and other infrastructure issues.'”

— Tyler Sinclair, City Spokesman (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Mayor Bibb and Cleveland City Council will negotiate the city's budget for the upcoming year, which will determine the level of funding allocated to street resurfacing and infrastructure improvements.

The takeaway

The poor condition of Cleveland's streets, with nearly 60% of roads graded as 'D' or 'F', highlights the significant infrastructure challenges facing the city. Addressing these issues will require increased and sustained investment, as well as innovative solutions to combat the damaging effects of harsh winters and road salt on the city's pavement.