A major highway overhaul continues along 9.2 miles of I-77, stretching from Ghent Road to the Ohio Turnpike. The project is underway through September 2027 and is divided into two phases: Ghent Road to Everett Road, and Everett Road to the Turnpike.
Holiday drivers should expect nighttime restrictions from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform pavement work between Ghent Road and Everett Road. Lane restrictions will also stay in place between Everett Road and the Turnpike, creating potential slowdowns during peak travel windows.
One of the largest impacts remains the closed southbound ramp from Ghent Road to I-77, which runs through July 2026. Travelers must follow the signed detour using Ghent Road to Ohio 18 and back to I-77.
ODOT has also cautioned that more ramp closures lasting up to 90 days could occur throughout the project timeline, with detours posted in advance.
Drivers on I-90 in Lorain County should be prepared for extended construction delays as a complete pavement replacement and lane addition project continues through August 2028.
The work zone spans from the Ohio 2 merge to SR 611, affecting Elyria Township, the City of Elyria, Sheffield Village and Avon. During Thanksgiving travel periods, single-lane and shoulder closures in both directions between the SR 611 interchange and the Ohio Turnpike toll plaza could slow traffic, especially during peak departure hours.
ODOT is nearing the end of its bridge deck replacement on the I-480 ramps to I-77. Even with the project nearing completion, shoulder closures on I-480 in both directions beneath I-77 will continue through late November. These narrowed travel areas may lead to congestion during rush hours and weekend travel surges.
ODOT anticipates a record number of travelers this holiday season, and the agency’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations program projects only minor delays in Cleveland, Akron and Canton through 7 p.m. on Nov. 25.
According to forecasts, light traffic is expected across Northeast Ohio from Nov. 26–28, with normal traffic returning Nov. 29. Meanwhile, drivers heading further south — toward Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus — may experience moderate to heavy congestion through Dec. 1.
To help drivers on the road, ODOT recommends its OHGO travel portal, which provides live cameras, speed maps, weather updates and construction alerts to help travelers make route decisions in real time.
Originally reported by Hannah Drown, cleveland.com
