Cleveland drivers should prepare for full closures of I-90 in both directions between Central Avenue and just east of Carnegie Avenue from 9 p.m. November 13 to 5 p.m. November 14, and again from 8 p.m. November 20 to 6 a.m. November 23, 2026. The I-77 northbound ramp to I-90 eastbound will also close during both periods. Check ODOT’s Cuyahoga County traffic advisories and OHGO before leaving. The closures are part of ODOT’s long-term Central Interchange reconstruction. Some nearby bridges and ramps will remain unavailable well beyond these two weekends.
Call (216) 677-5490 or request a free consultation to speak with a dedicated local Cleveland auto accident attorney at Buckeye Law Group today.
When Will I-90 Close in Downtown Cleveland?
The closures affect both directions of I-90 between Central Avenue and just east of Carnegie Avenue, near I-77:
| Closure | Starts | Scheduled Reopening |
|---|---|---|
| First Weekend | Friday, November 13, at 9 p.m. | Saturday, November 14, at 5 p.m. |
| Second Weekend | Friday, November 20, at 8 p.m. | Monday, November 23, at 6 a.m. |
The I-77 northbound-to-I-90 eastbound ramp is scheduled to close during each of those same windows. Schedules can change with weather and construction progress. See News 5 Cleveland’s closure report for further clarity.
Why Is the Central Interchange Under Construction?
The November shutdowns allow crews to demolish the East 22nd Street and Cedar Avenue bridges over I-90. ODOT’s project description also identifies pavement and bridge replacements, including the I-90 westbound-to-I-77 southbound ramp connection. ODOT anticipates 18 full I-90 closures over the course of the project, not 18 in November. The project’s estimated completion is summer 2032, subject to change.
What Are the November 2026 I-90 Detours?
Reported detours for both shutdowns are:
- I-90 Eastbound: Take I-71 south/State Route 176 south, continue to I-480 east, then I-271 north to reconnect with I-90 east.
- I-90 Westbound: Take I-271 south, then I-480 west and State Route 176 north to reconnect with I-90 west.
- I-77 Northbound to I-90 Eastbound: Continue on I-77 north to Woodland Avenue, then use East 30th Street and Prospect Avenue to reach I-90.
These detours extend well beyond downtown. Plan ahead and follow current signs over navigation-app directions. See Cleveland 19’s November 5 detour report.
The I-77 detour uses Woodland Avenue, East 30th Street, and Prospect Avenue, where drivers must transition from interstate travel to signalized city streets. Expect different turning movements and interactions with pedestrians and local traffic. A suggested detour does not override posted signs, traffic signals, or restrictions on nearby construction streets.
Which Nearby Cleveland Streets and Bridges Are Also Affected?
Two local bridge changes began on November 1, 2026. The Cedar Avenue bridge over I-90 closed permanently for removal, while East 22nd Street between Carnegie and Central avenues is scheduled to remain closed through November 2027 as its bridge is reconstructed. The rebuilt East 22nd Street bridge is intended to support multiple travel modes.
ODOT also lists restrictions on East 14th Street, Community College Avenue, and I-77 ramps. Its advisory identifies November lane restrictions on Carnegie Avenue between East 14th and East 18th streets, affecting access near Cleveland State University even when I-90 is open. Lakewood and West Side travelers should also check ODOT’s separate I-90 Major Rehabilitation project farther west.
How Can Drivers Prepare for the Weekend Shutdowns?
Before traveling:
- Check The Date And Direction: Friday evening may differ from Friday morning.
- Check OHGO for construction, incidents, and traffic cameras before driving.
- Confirm Local Access: Parking, deliveries, and destinations near Carnegie or East 22nd may require another approach.
- Allow Extra Time: Detours involve several interstates; delay estimates cannot be guaranteed.
- Follow Roadside Instructions, which may be more current than an app.
Pedestrians and cyclists should use designated open crossings, never barricaded areas.
What Makes Construction-Zone Driving Different?
Temporary lane markings, shifted traffic patterns, and queues demand extra attention. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office recommends slowing down, maintaining greater following distance, limiting unnecessary lane changes, and staying attentive even when workers are not visible.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.21, motorists must operate at a reasonable and proper speed for conditions. Ohio’s distracted-driving law, § 4511.204 also restricts using or holding electronic wireless communications devices while driving, subject to statutory exceptions. Plan navigation before starting your vehicle or have a passenger manage directions. Nighttime visibility and unexpected backups present added concerns. Never reverse on an interstate to correct a missed turn.
What Should You Do After an Accident Near the I-90 Work Zone?
After a collision, call 911 for injuries or roadway danger and seek appropriate medical care. Never stand in traffic to take photos. When safe, document the road direction, nearest exit, time, signage, vehicle positions, and witnesses. Preserve dashcam footage, photos, medical records, and insurance communications. A detour alone does not establish negligence.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety crash-report search may help locate a report, though the state warns that reports can take up to six weeks to appear and are not the official record. Obtain official records from the investigating law-enforcement agency. ODOT says video from cameras it directly controls is generally retained only within a 72-hour buffer, where recordings exist, so potentially relevant footage may require prompt inquiry.
How Does Ohio Law Apply to a Construction-Area Injury Claim?
An injury claim depends on negligence, causation, damages, and applicable defenses. A rear-end collision and a truck-related lane-change crash may require different evidence.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, an injured person generally may recover despite some fault if their share is no greater than 50%, with recoverable damages reduced proportionately. Under Section 2305.10, most personal injury lawsuits involving bodily injuries must be filed within two years from the date the legal claim accrues, which is generally the date the injury occurs. However, certain circumstances may affect when this two-year period begins or whether a different filing deadline applies. Because missing an applicable deadline can prevent an injured individual from pursuing compensation through the courts, understanding the statute of limitations and any relevant exceptions is an important part of protecting one’s legal rights.
Cleveland Resources for Drivers and Injured Motorists
- ODOT Traffic Updates: Cuyahoga County traffic advisories and OHGO for current restrictions.
- Cleveland Division Of Police: Public records requests for agency-held crash reports and related records.
- Ohio Department Of Public Safety: Crash report search; verify the investigating agency before requesting an official copy.
- MetroHealth Main Campus Medical Center: 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, with a 24-hour emergency department. Call 911 for an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleveland’s I-90 Closures
- Is all of I-90 in Cleveland closing in November 2026? No. The announced full closures affect the specified downtown segment between Central Avenue and just east of Carnegie Avenue during two scheduled periods. Other portions of I-90 may have separate restrictions.
- Will I-77 remain accessible during the I-90 closures? The I-77 northbound-to-I-90 eastbound ramp closes during both periods. Check other connections on OHGO.
- When will the East 22nd Street bridge reopen? ODOT lists the East 22nd Street closure between Carnegie and Central avenues through November 2027. The date is an estimate.
- Is the Cedar Avenue bridge reopening after demolition? No. ODOT identifies the Cedar Avenue bridge over I-90 as a permanent removal under the Central Interchange project. Drivers should revise any familiar route using that crossing.
- Can someone pursue compensation after a crash in a Cleveland construction zone? Possibly, depending on fault, injuries, insurance, evidence, and applicable law. Neither a contractor’s nor a government agency’s fault is automatic.
Staying Informed Through Cleveland’s I-90 Reconstruction
As reconstruction continues, check official notices, plan around posted detours, and approach changing traffic patterns carefully. If a collision leaves you with questions about injuries, insurance coverage, or liability, Buckeye Law Group’s Cleveland personal injury team offers free consultations. For eligible cases handled on contingency, there are no upfront attorney fees; attorney fees are paid only after a recovery. Case expenses and fee terms are explained in advance. You can also review our Cleveland car accident and truck accident resources.
Call (216) 677-5490 or request a free consultation to speak with a dedicated local Cleveland auto accident attorney at Buckeye Law Group today.
Disclaimer: This article is provided by Buckeye Law Group for general educational and informational purposes only, based on publicly available information reviewed November 10, 2026. It is not individualized legal, medical, or transportation advice. Road closures, detours, timelines, and legal requirements may change. Each personal injury claim depends on its facts, evidence, available insurance coverage, and applicable law. Reading this article or contacting Buckeye Law Group does not, by itself, establish an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
