Sylvania Prepares for Monroe Street Bridge Closure

Major interchange reconstruction project to disrupt traffic for 5 months

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Monroe Street bridge over U.S. 23 in Sylvania, Ohio is scheduled to close for approximately 150 days starting in early March as part of a $31 million interchange reconstruction project. The closure is expected to significantly impact traffic in the area, with city and school officials working to prepare residents and businesses for the disruption.

Why it matters

The Monroe Street bridge is a critical transportation artery, carrying around 40,000 vehicles per day. Its closure will force drivers to use alternate routes, likely leading to increased congestion on surrounding local roads. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety in this busy corridor, but the temporary closure will create significant challenges for the community.

The details

The upcoming work will focus on widening the Monroe Street bridge, adding lanes, and improving the overall efficiency and safety of the interchange. During the closure, Monroe Street will be closed between Glasgow Road and Acres Road, and Alexis Road will close between Monroe Street and Acres Road. Detour signs will route highway traffic to other nearby interchanges. Sylvania Schools have also adjusted bus routes to avoid the affected area.

  • The Monroe Street bridge is scheduled to close to all traffic beginning the weekend of March 7, 2026.
  • The closure is expected to last about 150 days, or roughly 5 months.
  • Monroe Street resurfacing is scheduled to begin in May 2026, bringing nighttime lane restrictions for up to 6 weeks.

The players

Joe Shaw

Sylvania's public services director.

Veronica Motley

Superintendent of Sylvania Schools.

Ohio Department of Transportation

The state agency overseeing the $31 million interchange reconstruction project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're talking about a bridge deck that gets about 40,000 vehicles a day, and closing it for 150 days. That's a big impact to our community.”

— Joe Shaw, Sylvania's public services director (wtol.com)

“By August, we hope things are back to normal — on a much better interchange that operates more efficiently, moves traffic better and is safer.”

— Joe Shaw, Sylvania's public services director (wtol.com)

What’s next

Any additional road or ramp closures related to the project will be announced by ODOT at least two weeks in advance.

The takeaway

The Monroe Street bridge closure is a significant disruption for Sylvania, but city and school officials are working to prepare the community and mitigate the impact. The long-term goal is to improve traffic flow and safety in this busy corridor, though residents will have to navigate detours and congestion for several months during construction.