Two meetings have been scheduled to gain input from residents in North Royalton, Strongsville and Brunswick regarding traffic concerns regarding the I-71 corridor that affects traffic to the three cities.
The meetings are being conducted surrounding the I-71 Crossroads Regional Transportation Study, which was mandated to be completed in 2026 as part of the State’s biennial budget mandate. The study is being jointly conducted by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
According to NOACA, “Interstate 71 (I-71) is a regionally significant highway that connects Cleveland with Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville, Kentucky. Traffic flow varies along this freeway corridor, but with continuing suburban growth, it occasionally operates near capacity during peak periods as it passes through urbanized areas.”
According to a NOACA press release, “The I-71 Crossroads Regional Transportation Study is evaluating ways to improve access, mobility, and traffic operations in the study area, which is bounded by Center Road (SR 303) on the south, Pearl Road (US 42) on the north and west, and W. 130th Street on the east. The first round of meetings will present preliminary findings on existing and future travel conditions. Attendees are encouraged to offer feedback on traffic congestion issues and their ideas on potential solutions.” Traffic congestion has been a concern for many years, with many studies taking place since 1984 to investigate possible solutions. “The I-71 Crossroads Regional Transportation Study (I-71 Crossroads Study) aims to evaluate current and future conditions in the study area and identify potential improvements that enhance safety, mobility, access, and connectivity for residents, businesses, and increased freight movement,” stated NOACA officials.
The first meeting for North Royalton and Strongsville area will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. That meeting will be held at the Strongsville Recreation and Senior Center, located at 18100 Royalton Road in Strongsville. The second meeting for the Brunswick area takes place on Thursday, November 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. That meeting will be held at the Brunswick Community Recreation and Fitness Center, located at 3637 Center Road in Brunswick. The presentation given will be the same at both meetings.
Comments and questions about this study to the I-71 Crossroads Study team at noaca@mpo.noaca.org. According to NOACA, the study is expected to be completed by December, 2026.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer
