19 Troubleshooter results: ODOT reopens dangerous Cleveland intersection

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -There’s relief now for people living on West Boulevard as Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews fix a problem that has plagued some homeowners for decades: cars speeding off the exit ramp off I-90E and crashing right into homes on West Blvd.

“It is now pretty much impossible to go straight. So first the splitter island is about six inches high and concrete and if somehow you got past that going straight, there is now another raised median 10 inches high on West Blvd. that would prevent you from crossing West Blvd.,” said Brent Kovacs, Public Information Officer, ODOT, District 12.

ODOT crews started safety improvements on Sept. 20 after multiple crashes into these homes over the years, one, after the other. Some of the crashes even caught on camera.

The neighbors have been meeting with city and state officials for the last year to speed up the process for a permanent fix but was told it would take some time.

“Very frustrating, very frustrating. We need help. Something has to be done,” said Mildred Santana.

But last month, some of the homeowners received an email from an engineer at ODOT informing them that after the crash in September, ODOT decided safety improvements in the area was an emergency and decided to take immediate action instead of waiting until next year. Officials tell 19 News the safety improvements cost approximately $400,000.

“ODOT was just as frustrated as the residents when the only bid on the project came in nearly twice the engineer’s estimate. We were committed to completing the project and while determining next steps another crash occurred and the decision was made to move forward with an emergency type project. There will be some noise and inconvenience during construction, so we ask for the resident’s patience. We do believe this is the best solution to help prevent cars from speeding down the exit ramp.”

On Sunday, October 1, ODOT crews reopened the exit ramp with the new additions.

The longtime residents say they are grateful they got action before it was too late.

“I really believe that without the news media, this would not have gone anywhere because it went absolutely nowhere for years,” said longtime resident, Sherry Heart. “Channel 19, thank you so much for being there when this first started and the calls you made, how much you came back and how much you came back and followed the story, we can’t thank you enough for that.”

ODOT officials tell 19 News additional traffic signal improvements will be completed as part of a separate project in 2024.

If you have a problem that you would like us to address, call our 19 Troubleshooter tipline at 216-250-1618.

Below is 19 News’ previous coverage:

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