The Opportunity Corridor is a linear project in Cleveland, Ohio, with a boulevard that connects Interstate 77 (I-77) and I-490 to the University Circle neighborhood. "The purpose of the project is to improve the roadway network within a historically under-served, economically depressed area within the City of Cleveland."[1] The corridor is entirely concurrent with Ohio State Route 10.
In the 1960s, Cuyahoga County had planned to build a freeway called the Clark Freeway in Cleveland and its environs, part of a network of planned freeways.[2] The entirety of I-490, along with a portion of what later became I-90 westward from the I-71/I-90/I-490 interchange, was built as a result of this project. However, the road was initially proposed to extend to the Outer-belt East Freeway (I-271). The route was ultimately truncated to East 55th Street as a result of freeway revolts.
The road as built, part of the Inner-belt reconstruction project, is a boulevard connecting I-490 to the University Circle neighborhood. This iteration was conceived in 2008,[5] though references to it existed as early as 2003;[6] its record of decision was issued in May 2014.[1][7] Construction began in March 2015 along the portion east of East 93rd Street;[8][9] this portion opened in two segments in late 2017 and November 2018.[10] After various delays,[11][12] the last section opened November 12, 2021.[13]
The project was estimated in April 2013 to cost $331.3 million by the Federal Highway Administration, or about $100 million per mile.[14]
As of 2023[update], several building projects were underway along the boulevard.[15]
Opposition
The Opportunity Corridor has a number of opponents, including a grassroots group, Clevelanders for Transportation Equity.[16] Many of the objections are rooted in the upheaval of the local community, which is predominantly lower income and African-American.[17][18]
Other local critiques include a report by the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative in which concerns are raised regarding a lack of comprehensive vision, lack of meaningful community engagement, poorly designed green infrastructure, and the absence of true multi-modal integration.[19]
The Opportunity Corridor was also featured in a report by the United States Public Interest Research Group titled, "Highway Boondoggles:
Wasted Money and America’s Transportation Future".[20] This report highlights ODOT's poor enforcement of their “fix-it-first” policy as well as the stagnant Vehicle Miles Traveled statistics for the region in contrast with the increased ridership on the Regional Transit Authority.[21]
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