A 93 year old bridge in Cleveland, Ohio, has been closed immediately after a new structural analysis found more serious damage than previously known. The Brookpark Road Bridge, also known as the State Route 17 bridge, first opened in 1933 and is located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) ordered the closure after further checks found extensive deterioration in the floor beams supporting the bridge driving surface. Officials said keeping the bridge open could create a safety risk for motorists.
The bridge was already being studied for a major rehabilitation project. Work had been tentatively planned for 2028 following an earlier inspection and engineering study. However, the latest analysis showed that the damage was worse than first understood, forcing officials to act much earlier.
ODOT considered options such as reducing the number of lanes or limiting the weight of vehicles. However, officials decided that a complete closure was the safest option. The bridge will remain closed until engineers decide what should be done next. Officials are now checking whether the planned rehabilitation can be moved forward or if a temporary repair can safely reopen the bridge. There is currently no confirmed reopening date. Drivers have been advised to follow designated detours while the assessment continues.
