Full Breakdown
Wade Park Avenue Revamp Advances Cleveland’s Vision Zero Goals
5/16/2026, 12:09:34 AM
Background & Vision Zero Context
The Ward 8 council meeting addressed transportation and traffic-calming measures on Wade Park Avenue, aligning with Cleveland Moves and the Vision Zero safety agenda for neighborhoods spanning Asia Town, Hough, St. Clair-Superior, Downtown, Glenville and Midtown.
Official Statements & Responses
Council member Richard Switalski, MOCAP director James DeRosa, and project engineer Elida Rreza presented a $12 million plan funded by $4.6 M from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, $3.3 M from the Ohio Department of Transportation safety funds, $3.4 M from the Ohio Public Works Commission, and under $1 M from city bonds. Design consultant David Neumeyer detailed resurfacing from East 66th to East 118th Street, curb-ramp upgrades, bike lanes, conversion of six signals to two-way stops, and installation of mini roundabouts at five intersections. Vision Zero coordinator Cameron Roberts highlighted the goal of reducing speed and crash frequency. CMSD CEO Sandra Madison noted the pending demolition of the former Willson Middle School.
Data & Statistics
Project cost totals $12 million, funded by $4.6 M from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, $3.3 M from the Ohio Department of Transportation safety funds, $3.4 M from the Ohio Public Works Commission, and under $1 M from city bonds. Anticipated safety benefits include a 28 % speed reduction, a 30-50 % crash decline, and shorter pedestrian crossing distances. Franklin Boulevard pilot data show 25 mph speeding drops from 63 % to 17 %, total crashes down 76 %, and injury crashes down 69 %. Over 75 % of current Wade Park Avenue crashes occur at intersections.
Timeline & Phasing
Construction proceeds in three phases: East 66th-East 79th (eastbound kept, westbound detoured to Superior Ave), East 79th-East 105th (same detour), and East 105th-East 118th (westbound detoured to Euclid Ave). Willson Middle School demolition is slated for Oct 2026-Mar 2027.
Community Engagement & Upcoming Events
Council member Stephanie Howse-Jones urged voting in the May 5 primary. A neighborhood meeting is set for May 14 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) at the Chinese Christian Church, followed by a Ward 8 Network Night on May 21 (6-8 p.m.).
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
CMSD updates list Willson Middle School demolition for Oct 2026-Mar 2027, yet later statements give no specific dates. No final redevelopment plan for the site has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “CMSD has tried on two occasions to have it demolished; it was denied by the city, because they wanted to try to actually have developers come and develop it into something else,” — Sandra Madison, CEO, Robert P. Madison International
- “Wade Park Avenue mini-roundabouts Roberts said over 75% of crashes on the avenue are occurring at intersections, and roundabouts will be constructed at five intersections.” — Cameron Roberts, Vision Zero coordinator, City of Cleveland
- “Wade Park Avenue bike lanes Roberts also said separated bike lanes will reduce speeds by visually narrowing the street and preventing unexpected passing in empty lanes.” — Cameron Roberts
- “Developers were interested, but they could not get their funding together.” — Sandra Madison
What’s Next
Section 1 construction will start soon, with speed and crash monitoring and additional public forums. The bike-lane network will link Wade Park Avenue to East 66th, East 55th, and the Superior Midway bikeway.
