Cuyahoga County Seeking Comment On Hilliard Road Bridge Project in Lakewood and Rocky River

The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works (CCDPW) invites the public to view a prerecorded, online presentation regarding alternatives for rehabilitating or replacing the Hilliard Road bridge over the Rocky River, Valley Parkway, Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation, and Valley Parkway Trail.

The project is being developed with the assistance of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and is tentatively planned for construction beginning in 2023.

The recorded presentation and all materials regarding the project are available at the following website: https://publicinput.com/O8043

The public is asked to view the presentation and other project materials and provide feedback. Comments may be submitted on the website through the comment submittal form, or by direct contact at the number below. Comments will be accepted at any time; however, all comments received by March 1, 2021, will be included in the official project documentation.

The existing bridge is a concrete arch structure that is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The existing bridge is continuing to deteriorate, with debris falling below. The portion of the bridge over Valley Parkway is currently protected by netting and the Valley Parkway Trail was realigned to pass under the protected area.

Cuyahoga County and ODOT evaluated alternatives to rehabilitate or replace the historic bridge and to restore the Valley Parkway Trail to its original location adjacent to the Rocky River. The project includes the addition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the bridge, consistent with the plans of the communities of Lakewood and Rocky River.

In addition to the impacts to the historic bridge, other minor environmental impacts are anticipated due to this project. Likely affects include temporary fill in the Rocky River for construction access and minor wetland impacts. There also will be temporary vehicular and pedestrian impacts within the Rocky River Reservation and the park under the bridge during construction.

To comply with Governor DeWine’s guidelines regarding limiting social gatherings in response to COVID-19, CCDPW is presenting the project information online only. Individuals without computer access or who require interpretation services or a reasonable accommodation to participate should contact the project team at the number below for assistance. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

To submit public comment:

Hilliard Road Bridge Project Team
c/o Lawhon & Associates
1441 King Avenue
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan Daniels
614-481-8600 extension 134
sdaniels@lawhon-assoc.com