WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today calls on concerned citizens of the 11th District to voice their opposition to the State of Ohio's decision to delay construction of the second I-90 (Inner Belt) bridge in Cleveland until 2023.  The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) established a 45 day period to collect public comments which ends on March 17th, 2012. 

 In a letter sent to local elected officials, Congresswoman Fudge also urged them to remind their constituents of the approaching deadline for the public comment period and join in the effort to reverse a decision that may have negative economic consequences for the Northeast Ohio region.

 "Unlike the 'Bridge to Nowhere', Cleveland has a 'Bridge to Somewhere', somewhere important. It leads to the very heart of a major American city. The existing Inner Belt Bridge carries more than 130,000 vehicles daily, making it a critical link for the city and Northeast Ohio.  The bridge is already three years beyond its projected 50 year life span.  Delaying completion of the project only serves to increase safety concerns, traffic congestion and negatively impact the local economy," said Congresswoman Fudge.

 A new bridge that is designed to carry westbound traffic will be completed in 2013.  The original plan called for tearing down the existing bridge in 2014 and completing the second bridge for eastbound traffic in 2016.  However, ODOT announced a revised plan in January2012 that would delay construction of the second bridge until 2023. 

 "There is no evidence that ODOT took the construction of the new aquarium, the downtown casino or Medical Mart into consideration. These projects, all located within several miles of the Inner Belt Bridge, are expected to draw thousands of additional visitors to downtown Cleveland and create hundreds of jobs for our residents. We must come together and work collectively to ensure our Inner belt Bridge is not delayed.  I encourage all concerned residents to write a brief note to ODOT during the 45-day comment period and participate at public hearings to encourage ODOT to rethink its decision." 

Email comments to: trac@dot.state.oh.us

Mail comments to: Ohio Department of Transportation
                                  ATTN:  Jim Gates
                                  1980 W. Broad Street
                                  Columbus, OH 43223