URS Corp.'s Ohio Transportation Group has been selected by the Ohio Department of Transportation, as part of a team headed by Burgess and Niple Inc., to develop environmental documents and perform preliminary engineering for the Cleveland Innerbelt project. The scope of the project includes increasing vehicular capacity by adding lanes as well as reconstruction of the southern Innerbelt (I-90) from SR 176 through the Central Interchange I-77/I-90.
A cost-benefit analysis will be performed to determine whether it would be better to widen and rehabilitate the nearly 5,000-ft-long Central Viaduct Bridge or to erect a new structure. The project also includes the complete redesign of the Central Interchange, including the I-77 approach to downtown Cleveland. Alternatives for the Trench (I-90 through downtown Cleveland to the Innerbelt Curve), which would consolidate access and create a frontage road system along the corridor, also will be evaluated.
Another aspect of the project entails the evaluation of alternatives, preliminary engineering and final design for the flattening and reconstruction of the Innerbelt Curve. The existing curve is designed well below interstate speeds and will be flattened to meet modern design standards. In addition to the roadway work, the project calls for the reconstruction of three railroad bridges.
The total estimated cost for this portion of the project is $477 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2006.
The Innerbelt project is part of Ohio DOT's effort to develop a strategy for the renewal of the transportation infrastructure in the I-70/I-90 corridor through downtown Cleveland. The study team, which included URS Corp., evaluated the condition, capacity and safety of the corridor and developed a design concept and scope of improvements.
