The area between the terminus of Interstate 490 (I-490) and University Circle in Cleveland, Ohio, had become known as the “Forgotten Triangle” due to a lack of economic activity and investment. The long-awaited Opportunity Corridor, a new 3.5-mile roadway that runs from East 55th Street at I-490 to Chester Avenue at East 105th Street, not only brings enhanced transportation, mobility and connectivity benefits to this area of Cleveland, but is spurring new economic development, new jobs and a new identity for the community.
In late 2021, the long-awaited Opportunity Corridor reached substantial completion with the completion of Part 3 which extends from I-490 to E93rd Street. The 35-mph boulevard includes a median, crosswalks, pedestrian and traffic signals, a multi-use path, tree lawns and vehicular, pedestrian and rail bridges.
The project was split into three sections. Design-build was selected as the project delivery method for Part 3, with Michael Baker serving as the lead designer and Kokosing Construction as lead contractor.
After completing the Opportunity Corridor Study, three primary needs for the area were identified: improving system linkage among the roads, neighborhoods and businesses in the area, improving mobility between the interstate system and University Circle and supporting planned economic development.
The new five-lane boulevard facility features 2 miles of new roadway on new alignment, seven signalized intersections, seven bridges, four groups of retaining walls and three best management practices for stormwater treatment. Additionally, the team designed new sanitary, storm and combined sewers, as well as electric, storm and sanitary stubs for future development.
Click to learn more about this project; video courtesy of the Ohio Department of Transportation.