CLEVELAND — The City of Cleveland has been awarded nearly $70 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which will go toward the North Coast Connector project.

This adds to the nearly $150 million the project secured last year from state and federal grants.

“We are thrilled to receive this transformative investment from the U.S. DOT for the North Coast Connector project," said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb in a release. “This funding will allow us to reimagine our waterfront access, transform outdated infrastructure, and build a safer, more vibrant connection between our residents, the lakefront, and the Port of Cleveland. This is a crucial step forward in making Cleveland a more connected and accessible city." 

The $284 million North Coast Connector project is estimated to break ground in 2027.

It aims to transform sections of State Route 2, which runs along Lake Erie and through downtown Cleveland, into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. It also includes the construction of a pedestrian land bridge that will connect downtown Cleveland to Lake Erie. The overall goal, Bibb has said, is to improve safety for residents and visitors, and allow more access to the city’s lakefront.

In the press release from the city last year, they said the project’s first phase features various demolition and construction projects:

  • Demolition of Main Avenue bridge between West 9th Street and Erieside Avenue
  • Construction of pedestrian/bike friendly West 3rd bridge and intersection
  • Construction of Shoreway Boulevard segment to ramps on West 3rd and East 9th streets

"This historic investment in the North Coast Connector project reflects our shared commitment to creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant Cleveland," said Council President Blaine Griffin in a release. "I applaud the collaboration between city leadership, our federal partners, and the community to bring this transformative vision to life, enhancing our lakefront for generations to come for all Clevelanders – from Lee-Harvard to Kamm’s Corners and all points in between." 

More information on the North Coast Connector project can be found here.

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