Sound off on Innerbelt Bridge project at public ODOT meeting at Sokolowski's University Inn

CLEVELAND - The Ohio Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sokolowski's University Inn to discuss options for the look and feel of community areas surrounding the second Innerbelt Bridge.

ODOT said this will be the public's first opportunity to see renderings of the two new bridges together.

While the second bridge, which will eventually carry eastbound traffic, will look nearly identical to the new westbound structure being constructed now, there are some important landscaping and land-use decisions which have yet to be made.

In the spring, ODOT engaged groups of city and county officials, local community development organizations and business interests to introduce proposed enhancements and ask for feedback. These Focus Groups provided further suggestions and refinements to the areas.

ODOT will now present these details to the public and solicit feedback during a public meeting the following areas:

In the Gateway District of downtown:
- Landscaping in the area of inbound Ontario Street, E. 9th Street and the I-90 ramps
- Wall treatments along inbound Ontario Street

In the Tremont/Towpath Trail area:
- Land use in the vicinity of Abbey Avenue and West Street ("The Sideyard")
- Overlook options along the Towpath Trail and Abbey Avenue beneath the new eastbound Innerbelt Bridge
- Entrances and gateways to the Towpath Trail

Public comments will be accepted in writing. You can email yours to: info@Innerbelt.org following the meeting through July 17. They will be discussed by these Focus Groups and presented to the city of Cleveland's Downtown/Flats Design Review and planning commission for final concurrence.