ODOT Proposes Slope Repairs In Lakewood, Rocky River

LAKEWOOD, OH — The state is considering repairing an eroded slope along the Rocky River in Lakewood, Rocky River, Fairview Heights and Cleveland. The slope runs underneath I-90, I-480 and Lorain Road.

The proposed project would be overseen by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Crews would not need to shut down the highways to repair the slope. However, short term closures of Valley Parkway, Valley Parkway Multi-Purpose Trail and a Metroparks' bridle path would be required. Detours for traffic and trail users would be provided during construction.

ODOT estimates the project would cost $3.35 million. Construction would start in May 2020.

However, the location of the slope on park property requires extra consideration from the public.

"Areas of the Rocky River Reservation have been enhanced through the Land & Water Conservation Fund Program and public input is required before the park property can be utilized to perform the slope repairs," ODOT said in a statement. "Since the slope erosion is located on park property, there is no alternative to repair the slope without entering onto Metroparks property."

The Cleveland Metroparks said they agree with the necessity of the slope repair project and have issued an access permit to ODOT for the work. Before crews break ground, however, the department needs public input on the project.

Comments can be submitted the following ways: by mail, phone and email. To provide comment by mail, send comments to:

Mr. Mark Alan Carpenter District Environmental Engineer
5500 Transportation Blvd.
Garfield Heights, OH, 44125

To submit comments by phone, call 216-584-2089 or email Mark.Carpenter@dot.ohio.gov. Comments are due by December 18.