It may seem like the massive and sometimes controversial Innerbelt Bridge project has been in the works since Elliot Ness called Cleveland home, but design planning is reaching its final stages. Tremont residents and others with questions or concerns about what this behemoth will look like, particularly where it touches down on city streets, should not miss the Ohio Department of Transportation's next public meeting.

"The lion's share of the design work is already committed," says Chris Garland, executive director of Tremont West Development Corporation, which has worked with ODOT on this project for several years. What remains are "the more subtle aspects," like placement of lighting and the type fencing to be used on the Abbey Road bridge, which will remain the neighborhood's connection to downtown.

Design options, and a survey, have been posted online. But Garland stresses the importance of attending the meeting, December 13, 5-8 p.m., at Pilgrim Church Fellowship Hall, 2592 W. 14th St. Various design options will be displayed, and ODOT officials will be on hand to answer questions. "Just because you don't see something [in a design] doesn't mean it won't be included," he notes. His message to residents has been, "The most important thing is to show up."

Source: Tremont West
Writer: Frank W. Lewis