Cincinnati residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead for substantial road closures coming up later this month. Two major projects will impact travel routes, requiring careful navigation to avoid delays.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced a complete shutdown of Interstate 75 in both directions for the entire weekend of September 25-28. Simultaneously, streets near the University of Cincinnati will be closed overnight on weekends starting this Friday, September 6, following recent shooting incidents.
Interstate 75 Closure for Bridge Construction
The I-75 closure is essential for installing nine steel girders for the new Linn Street bridge. This critical infrastructure project requires positioning large cranes on the interstate to move and set the beams on newly constructed bridge piers.
Northbound I-75 will close at the U.S. 50 West exit beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, September 25, with entrance ramps closing two hours earlier. The southbound closure will start at the Freeman Avenue exit at the same time, with additional lane closures preceding the full shutdown. Both directions are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, September 28.
To bypass the closure, northbound travelers are advised to use I-71 North and then take State Route 562 (the Norwood Lateral). Southbound drivers can use the Norwood Lateral east to I-71 South before reconnecting with I-75 at the Brent Spence Bridge. For through traffic, especially heavy trucks not headed downtown, the I-275 outerbelt is recommended.
This work is part of the $46.7 million Linn Street Reconstruction Project included in the broader Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. The new Linn Street bridge will feature two driving lanes, bike lanes, and sidewalks on both sides. Linn Street is expected to reopen to traffic in fall 2027, with the entire project scheduled for completion in spring 2029.
University of Cincinnati Area Road Closures
In response to recent shooting incidents, multiple roads near the University of Cincinnati will be closed overnight on weekends starting this Friday, September 6. The closures will affect Calhoun and McMillan streets between Vine Street and Clifton Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday.
These measures are part of enhanced safety initiatives following four separate shooting incidents near campus in the past two weeks. The most recent incident, which occurred near the College of Medicine in Corryville, resulted in one fatality and one injury. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains under investigation.
Additional safety upgrades include increased police patrols, enhanced lighting, and barricades around University Square. These efforts aim to prevent large crowds from gathering and maintain order in the area. Daytime traffic and game-day parking for home football games at Nippert Stadium will not be impacted.
Residents with valid parking permits and employees of nearby businesses will still have access to parking areas. The university is also funding overtime for both UCPD and CPD officers to ensure comprehensive coverage during this period.
