Although its concrete piers and arching steel recall historic bridges of Ohio's Cuyahoga River, the $294-million, 16-span Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge also includes steel delta frames unique to the region. More economic than more traditional alternatives, the frames promote a more streamlined aesthetic focused on large girders.
Commitment to sustainability earned the project an Environmental Excellence Award from the Federal Highway Administration. In comparison to standard projects, team members saved 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 22 million gallons of water while diverting more than 125,000 cu yd of waste from landfills. Team members also sought to protect a pair of endangered peregrine falcons.
The bridge has served as a model for similar U.S. projects.
Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge, Cleveland
Key Players
Owner Ohio Dept. of Transportation, Cleveland
General Contractor Walsh Group, Cleveland
Designer HNTB Corp., Cleveland
