Major West Side Interchange Project Begins 2-Year Overhaul

ODOT to replace one bridge and repaint another at I-71 and I-480 interchange

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:10pm

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The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has launched a two-year project to replace one bridge and repaint another at the Interstate 71 and Interstate 480 interchange in Cleveland. The project will result in various lane restrictions, closures, and traffic shifts for drivers starting this Sunday, March 24, 2026.

Why it matters

This busy interchange sees around 80,000 vehicles cross I-480 daily, with an additional 12,000 using the ramp from I-71 north to I-480 west. The construction project aims to improve the aging infrastructure and traffic flow in this critical transportation hub on Cleveland's West Side.

The details

The first disruptions for drivers will begin this Sunday, March 24. I-480 drivers in both directions will encounter lane restrictions and traffic shifts under I-71 through July 2028. The I-71 north ramp to I-480 will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 27, with a suggested detour. The Ohio 237 north ramp to I-480 east will also close nightly during this time period. Starting April 1 and lasting through July 2028, the I-71 north ramp to I-480 west will have various lane restrictions and lane shifts as the bridge on this ramp is replaced.

  • Starting this Sunday, March 24, 2026
  • I-71 north ramp to I-480 will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Ohio 237 north ramp to I-480 east will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Starting April 1, 2026 and lasting through July 2028, the I-71 north ramp to I-480 west will have various lane restrictions and lane shifts

The players

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state transportation agency overseeing the two-year construction project to replace one bridge and repaint another at the I-71 and I-480 interchange in Cleveland.

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What’s next

ODOT plans to complete the bridge replacement and repainting work by July 2028.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure project on Cleveland's West Side will cause significant traffic disruptions for drivers over the next two years, but the end result will be improved safety and traffic flow at this critical interchange.