Cleveland awarded nearly $70 million for lakefront project

CLEVELAND — Cleveland’s vision of transforming its downtown lakefront has gained momentum with the announcement of a nearly $70 million federal grant to support the ambitious North Coast Connector Land Bridge and Downtown Boulevard Project.

U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D) and Mayor Justin Bibb revealed Friday that the city was awarded $69.3 million through the Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program.

Established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program aims to reconnect communities divided by historic transportation and land use decisions.

Mayor Bibb credited former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown for his role in securing the funding, which will help advance a project designed to link the downtown core with the lakefront.

Plans include demolishing the Main Avenue Bridge, converting Ohio Route 2 into a boulevard stretching to East 18th Street, revamping the West Third Street bridge, and adding a pedestrian land bridge near the Mall to span railroad tracks and a reconfigured Shoreway.

The project’s total cost is estimated at $447 million, with the first phase, valued at $100 million, expected to break ground in 2027.

The initial work will involve tearing down a section of the Shoreway along the Main Avenue Bridge, demolishing the current West Third Street bridge, and constructing a new, wider West Third Street bridge to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, the Shoreway will be converted into a boulevard between West Third and East Ninth streets.

Mayor Bibb emphasized that the plan will move forward regardless of whether the Cleveland Browns extend their lease at the lakefront stadium.

This latest grant marks the second major federal funding secured for the project.

In October, the city received $59.7 million, and in June, the state contributed $20 million toward the initiative.

City officials believe the project will transform Cleveland’s lakefront, providing improved access and fostering greater connectivity between downtown and the waterfront.