Traffic delays and crashes are being reported on interstates 74, 71, 75, and 275 as viewers head home after the solar eclipse. The Ohio Department of Transportation advises drivers to expect heavy traffic due to the eclipse, with significant backups on westbound I-74 and multiple crashes on area highways. Updates from Waze app users and state transportation departments indicate stop-and-go traffic and delays of up to 20 minutes on various interstate routes.
A protest caravan near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport caused traffic delays on Saturday afternoon, but the situation has since been resolved with traffic returning to normal. Cleveland police confirmed that the protesters dispersed without any arrests, but details about the protest and its organizers remain unclear.
Ramps near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport were blocked by a reported protest, with people standing next to parked cars holding Palestinian flags. The blockages were later reopened, and law enforcement remained on the scene. The Cleveland police were aware of the protest and worked to resolve the situation, while the Ohio State Highway Patrol also monitored the situation. The protest did not impact airport flights, and by 6:30 p.m., the caravan had dispersed.
Ohio is preparing for increased traffic on April 8 due to the solar eclipse, with state officials urging people to plan ahead and expect delays. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency expects a significant number of visitors, and the Ohio Department of Transportation is treating the event like a major travel holiday, opening lanes and reducing construction zones. Tips for preparing for the traffic include packing patience, filling up gas tanks, bringing snacks and water, and having a plan for viewing the eclipse. Officials also recommend staying put for a while after the eclipse and exploring other activities in the area.
Parts of Ohio 8 and I-271 in Summit County will remain closed due to damage from a fatal tanker truck crash and fire. Repairs are needed on the south end of the Ohio 8 bridge over Brandywine Creek, and additional inspections are being conducted on ramps and flyover ramps. The closures are expected to last through the week, with detours in place for affected motorists.
The Federal Highway Transportation has instructed the Ohio Department of Transportation to adhere to new guidelines for highway safety signs, including a recommendation to avoid humor and pop culture references. ODOT's unique signs have not caused any crashes in Ohio, and the department will continue to develop unique warnings while keeping the new guidelines in mind. The timeline for these changes is about 2 years, and the public is invited to submit suggestions for ODOT signs.
Northeast Ohio is experiencing dangerous road conditions due to lake effect snow, with a winter weather advisory and lake effect snow warning in effect until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Multiple crashes have been reported, causing lane closures and debris on the roadways. The Ohio Department of Transportation has over 125 trucks on the roads, including 20 plows in Ashtabula County. Drivers are advised to use caution and slow down while giving plow trucks room to work. Sunshine is expected to return Sunday afternoon after the snow clears out of the area.
A winter weather advisory and lake effect snow warning remain in effect until 2 p.m. in Northeast Ohio, with over 125 trucks on the roads, including 20 plows in Ashtabula County. The Ohio Department of Transportation urges drivers to use caution and give plow trucks room to work. Additional snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are expected in some areas before tapering off mid-morning. Temperatures will rise into the upper 30s on Sunday with more sunshine in the afternoon, but rain is expected to develop on Wednesday and again at the end of the week.
