Brook Park’s $82 Million Traffic Plan for Browns Stadium Delayed

Plans for an estimated $82 million traffic improvement project around the Cleveland Browns’ stadium site in Brook Park have encountered a significant delay. The Northeast Ohio Regional Coordinating Agency (NOACA) planning committee voted 16-2 to postpone the necessary approval, shifting the timeline from December 2023 to March 2024. This decision arises from the need for additional information regarding the regional traffic impact of the proposed development.

The committee’s concerns were voiced notably by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, who has been critical of the Browns’ decision to relocate from downtown Cleveland to this suburban area. Ronayne emphasized the importance of ensuring that the construction does not adversely affect traffic at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, stating, “If we cannot guarantee that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will not be adversely impacted by the stadium location as proposed, then we should not support the stadium construction – by way of infrastructure.”

The discussion preceding the vote lasted nearly two hours, highlighting the complexities of the proposed infrastructure enhancements, which include upgrades to the Interstate 71 interchange at Snow Road, a bridge over railroad tracks, a ring road around the stadium, and a pedestrian bridge for off-site parking. The committee previously indicated that preliminary steps could proceed before final approval, but the proposal has now returned to the sub-committee for further evaluation.

NOACA’s mandate includes oversight of major changes to the highway system across five counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina. Notably, while NOACA can influence traffic infrastructure, it does not have the authority to determine whether the stadium will be constructed.

During the meeting, Grace Gallucci, Executive Director of NOACA, mentioned that her staff is still reviewing over 1,600 pages of an updated traffic study submitted by Brook Park last month. To facilitate the decision-making process, NOACA has shared critical information with the communities most likely to be affected, including Berea, Brooklyn, and Fairview Park.

Mayor Edward Orcutt of Brook Park sought to present the latest traffic study but was denied the opportunity due to concerns about prolonging the meeting. The proposal also includes plans for a potential RTA Red Line station on the northwest side of the stadium, which could further influence traffic dynamics in the area.

Committee members expressed various concerns about potential impacts on local emergency services, particularly regarding ambulance access to Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Heights. Cleveland Councilman Charles Slife raised questions about the effects on local streets during major events, while Council President Blaine Griffin highlighted the importance of evaluating parking arrangements and tailgating behavior that often occurs on game days.

The planning committee comprises representatives from Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, surrounding counties, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, with participants debating the need for thorough traffic studies. The dissenting votes against returning the plans to the sub-committee came from Lake County Engineer Alan Exley and John Picuri, District 12 deputy director for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The Browns are eager to engage with the community as they finalize plans for the new stadium, projected to cost $2.4 billion. They aim to begin construction in 2024, with an opening targeted for the start of the 2029 NFL season. The financing structure includes $600 million already approved by the state, $300 million proposed from Brook Park taxes, and the remainder covered by the team, including potential cost overruns.

As discussions continue, Brook Park and the Browns remain committed to addressing the infrastructure needs surrounding the stadium, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.