Cincinnati drivers are in for another round of Western Hills Viaduct gridlock this week, as crews shut down the aging double-deck bridge for daytime work and a full Saturday inspection.
Both decks of the viaduct will close to most traffic from May 26 through May 29 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. while Duke Energy crews handle maintenance and city staff inspect the structure. On Saturday, May 30, the lower deck will shut down from 6 a.m. until no later than 9 p.m. Motorists should expect several ramps connecting to I-75 to be affected during the weekday closures.
According to Local 12, the weekday work is tied to Duke Energy maintenance, while the Saturday closure is reserved for the viaduct’s annual inspection. City officials told the station the roadway could reopen earlier if crews wrap up ahead of schedule, although weather could still shuffle the timeline.
Exactly What Will Close
From May 26 to May 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., both the upper and lower decks will be closed to traffic, along with the ramps from northbound and southbound I-75. The May 30 lower-deck shutdown will also close the southbound I-75 exit to Harrison Avenue and the entrance ramp from the viaduct’s lower deck to southbound I-75.
WLWT notes that access to the top deck from northbound I-75 and from Central Parkway/McMillan Street will remain open, giving some commuters a lifeline while the rest of the structure is off-limits.
Detours And Commute Tips
The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation & Engineering has laid out signed detours that route local traffic via the top deck to Central Parkway, Brighton Place and Harrison Avenue, with guidance signs posted to help drivers weave around the closures. Southbound I-75 motorists headed west over the viaduct are advised to use Exit 2A at Western Avenue/Liberty Street or Exit 1G at Ezzard Charles Drive to reconnect with the top deck, according to the city’s advisory.
The City of Cincinnati DOTE is urging drivers to leave extra travel time and stick to posted detours while crews are working, especially during peak commute hours when backup is all but guaranteed.
Part Of A Long-Running Replacement Effort
None of this is happening in a vacuum. The closures are tied to utility relocations and inspections that feed into the broader Western Hills Viaduct replacement program. The existing bridge carries more than 55,000 vehicles a day and is expected to stay in service until its replacement is complete.
Project information from the Walsh-Kokosing design-build team underscores that utility moves, including Duke Energy transmission work, are critical early steps before new-bridge construction can fully ramp up.
Where To Get Updates
For official schedule changes and closure details, check the City of Cincinnati DOTE news page. Drivers can also keep an eye on local traffic coverage from WLWT for on-the-fly updates. If your commute depends on the viaduct, plan to head out earlier than usual and follow posted detours around Harrison Avenue and Spring Grove Avenue while crews are on the bridge.
