cleveland detroit bridge tour

Tour the past: County opens Veteran’s Memorial Bridge lower deck, hosts talk about future plans

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This Friday, June 23, Cuyahoga County executive Chris Ronayne and other officials will host a public conversation about creating public access to the lower level—the subway deck—of the Veterans Memorial Bridge .

The community conversation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. will encourage residents and local leaders to share their visions for creating public access to the underside of the bridge. Feedback and ideas will be used to design plans for the bridge’s future and how it could become a unique public space. The conversation includes a free dinner.

Then on Saturday, June 24, the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Tours return from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m.

The free, self-guided tour allows visitors to experience the bridge’s original streetcar station and tracks, as well as views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie, and downtown Cleveland.

Ronayne has made his vision for the lower level of the bridge public since he took over as county commissioner.

The Veterans Memorial Bridge opened on Thanksgiving Day , Nov. 22, 1917. Originally known as the Detroit-Superior Bridge, it was renamed on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1989.

The bridge replaced the 1878 Superior Viaduct (a type of bridge that incorporates a series of arches to carry a road or railroad across a valley), which was originally built to easily move the rapidly growing city traffic across the Cuyahoga River without having to navigate the steep river banks, but had become congested.

Construction on the 5,600-foot Detroit-Superior Bridge began in 1912 and cost nearly $5.3 million to build. Sitting 96 feet above the Cuyahoga River at its center span, the bridge is made up of 12 concrete arches and two decks. The upper deck carries vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while the lower deck, known as “the subway,” carried streetcars on four sets of tracks.

With 70,400 cars crossing the bridge each day by 1930, it was considered one of the busiest bridges in the country. The 1932 completion of the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge (Hope Memorial Bridge) and the 1939 opening of the Main Avenue Bridge helped accommodate the ever-increasing traffic over the Cuyahoga River.

The Veterans Memorial Bridge underwent a $6 million, two-year, renovation in 1967 that added two traffic lanes and narrowed the original 15-foot sidewalks to five feet.

Over the years, there have been various efforts to reopen the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, including a plan led by the Kent State University Urban Design Collaborative ; and Ingenuity Cleveland held its popular Ingenuity Fest on the Subway level in 2010. Shortly after taking office as Cuyahoga County Executive in January, Ronayne announced he was exploring options for a “Low-Line Park” on the lower level.  

The community dialogue on Friday begins at 5 p.m. Dinner is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Gates for Saturday’s tour open at 10 a.m. and the last admission is at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. Food trucks, live entertainment, and educational tables will also be featured during the tour.

The main entrance for both the community conversation and the tour is 2433 Superior Viaduct, at the northeast corner of the West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue intersections. Volunteers will be on-site to assist visitors. 

A signed release form and a valid ID for guests ages 18 and over must be presented for both events. Contact the Department of Public Works with questions about the event at (216) 348-3824, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge

Phase one of rediscover veterans memorial bridge.

Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge is a Cuyahoga County led initiative to reopen the historic streetcar level of the bridge. The space offers unparalleled views of the industrial valley and Lake Erie but is an underutilized 3,112- foot empty walkway. The streetcar level is well maintained and has been sporadically programmed with public events and temporary installations over the past fifteen years.

The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a two-tier through arch bridge, 1.2 km in length, completed in 1918. At that time, it was hailed as the world’s largest double-deck reinforced concrete bridge. Streetcars ran on the lower level of the bridge until 1954. The bridge connects the east and west banks of the Cuyahoga River and is situated between the industrial flats and the city’s central business district.

Project Overview With support from the Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County is looking for artists to design an immersive experience using light, sound, technology, and performances to create a memorable and transformative experience for visitors in June 2024. We are seeking artists to highlight the bridge’s possibilities as a public space and connector, while engaging with the indeterminate qualities of the bridge, its surroundings, and the districts it connects. Past bridge events have attracted thousands of people. This immersive experience should be designed to appeal to people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

Cuyahoga County will provide access to the space for concept design, installation, and removal. The County will obtain the necessary City and State permits for use of the space, assistance with event logistics, event promotion and outreach to the nearby neighborhoods.

Eligibility Open to all local, national, and international artists and groups who have been involved with previous immersive experiences relevant to the scale or context of the bridge.

Budget $50,000 for concept design, materials, installation, staff travel/accommodations, and performance costs.

Insurance Proof of insurance meeting the requirements of Cuyahoga County in the name of the organization, entity, or individual applying, must be included with the proposal. This will include a Certificate of Liability Insurance in an amount not less than One Million Dollars, from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, indicating “Cuyahoga County and Its employees” as an “additionally named insured”. Additional insurance type and coverage levels may be required by Cuyahoga County upon evaluation of the winning proposal.

Criteria Proposals will be evaluated on artistic excellence, artistic capacity, and experience. The proposal must include a summary of your approach to the project as well as a concise statement of your interest and what you envision for the space. Include examples of previous work and a brief statement of your administrative capacity to manage a budget and meet deadlines. Please use the site map to plan placement installations and performances.

Proposal Due Date – Friday, December 15, 2023, by 11:00 AM (EST) All proposals must be submitted via email or hard copy mailed/ hand-delivered to: Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works 2079 E. 9th Street, 5th Floor Cleveland, OH 44115 Attn: Sheila Obrycki

Email (size limit is 30 MB): [email protected]

Contact Sheila Obrycki, Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works Phone: 216-443-7545

Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Walk If interested, there will be a pre-proposal meeting and site walk of the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM. RSVP is required. Please send email requests to [email protected] or call 216-443-7545 to reserve your space.

This summer, more than 9,000 residents and visitors enjoyed a weekend of activities to showcase and explore the possibilities for the underside of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Friday, June 23, 2023: The public participated in a conversation with local leaders and other residents about their vision for creating public access to the underside of the bridge.

Saturday, June 24, 2023: The Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Tour returned for one day only! This free, self-guided tour allowed visitors to experience the original streetcar station and tracks, unique views of the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie, and downtown Cleveland. Visitors also explored ideas to reactivate the underside of the bridge for future pedestrian use and could provide feedback on how they believe the space could best serve residents and visitors.

Have ideas for transforming this space? We want to hear from you!

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• Construction started in the fall of 1912. The bridge was constructed from 2,123,300 cubic yards of concrete, 9,385,000 pounds of reinforcing steel and 8,500,000 pounds of structural steel for the steel arch.
• In 1918, the Veterans Memorial Bridge was celebrated as the world’s largest double-deck reinforced concrete bridge.
• In 1974, the Veterans Memorial Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The bridge is 96 feet tall and 3,112 feet long, connecting Detroit and Superior Avenues over the Cuyahoga River Valley in downtown Cleveland.
• The bridge consists of 12 concrete arches, varying in size from 58 feet to 174 feet, and an overhead steel arch span that is 591 feet long and 196 feet tall.

Explore the Bridge

Detroit-Superior Bridge

Cleveland's First High-Level Bridge

Bathed in blue light at night, the Detroit-Superior Bridge (also known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge since 1989) is a striking feature on the Cleveland skyline just west of Public Square. Cleveland's King Bridge Company built the span between 1912 and 1917 at a cost of over five million dollars. This 3,112-foot-long compression arch, suspended-deck bridge was the first fixed high-level bridge in the city and, for a time, one of the largest steel and concrete reinforced bridges in the world. Its single steel span over the Cuyahoga River provides 96 feet of clearance above the water, allowing for uninterrupted vehicle traffic. At the time of its completion this was a vast improvement over the older Superior Viaduct, whose center span was forced to swing open several times a day in order to allow boats to pass underneath, stopping bridge traffic for five or more minutes.

Until the end of Cleveland's streetcar era in the mid-1950s, the lower deck of the Detroit-Superior Bridge carried streetcars on its four sets of tracks. To this end, a subway and underground passenger stations were built below its east and west approaches. Meanwhile, vehicular traffic on the upper deck of the bridge was heavy in the years following the bridge's opening on Thanksgiving Day 1917, and traffic tie-ups often occurred. These lessened with the opening of the city's second fixed high level span – the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge – in the 1930s. More recently, the development of the interstate highway system, with its various high-level spans over the Cuyahoga River, has further diminished the bridge's importance to commuters. However, the Detroit-Superior Bridge remains a key feature in Cleveland's built environment and an impressive example of architectural and engineering expertise.

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Related Resources

• " Veterans Memorial Bridge. " Encyclopedia of Cleveland History .

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Filed under.

• Transportation
• Cuyahoga River
• Detroit Avenue
• Detroit Superior Bridge
• National Register of Historic Places
• Superior Avenue

Hidden History Revealed: Detroit-Superior Bridge Tours

Visit me in cle weekend, notice: this event has expired..

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Superior Ave & East 18th St Superior Ave & East 18th St Cleveland, OH 44114

One of the undeniably coolest places in all of Cleveland, this forgotten treasure played Loki’s lair in Marvel’s “The Avengers.” Explore these historic catacombs and learn about the city’s history that saw it as one of the main arteries of transportation and commerce for the region.

Enter the lower deck of the bridge from Superior Viaduct by St. Malachi Church. Frank Piccirillo leads tours every hour on the hour.

Visit Me in CLE

Visit Me in CLE Weekend, happening June 21–23, is devoted to residents reconnecting with their out-of-town friends and family right here in Cleveland. It’s all in an effort to help change perceptions about our city. So invite your friends and family from out of town to visit, so they can see there’s more to Cleveland than what they’ve heard. Learn more at VisitMeInCLE.com .

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Related events, nouveau decadence- a 20th anniversary burlesque revue, a legacy unleashed, guided walking tour: downtown public art, guided walking tour: downtown highlights, from our sponsors.

Streetcar level of Veterans Memorial Bridge reopens to public this weekend

CLEVELAND — This weekend, locals will have their first chance in years to explore the old streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Also known as the Detroit Superior Bridge, its light rail streetcar level has remained closed for years after streetcars were decommissioned in the 1950s.

Since then, traffic still rumbles above the 3,000 ft long bridge, but the deck below remains quiet.

News 5 first told you back January about plans to reopen the space in the next two or three years. The goal now, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said, is to figure out what to do with it.

Plans to turn Detroit-Superior Bridge streetcar corridor into 'park in the sky'

"This is a time to look at this as a new true public amenity, especially perfectly timed as the river is coming back, as the neighborhoods are growing from downtown to Ohio City," Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said.

Pre-pandemic, the occasional tour or art display took place inside the corridor. However, this plan would permanently reopen the space, bringing bikers and walkers to the “low-line” year-round.

Plenty of people exploring the streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge Fri. night, which opened for the first time since pre-pandemic. Area leaders considering ideas on what to do with the space and open it permanently in the next 2-3 years. https://t.co/MLvkNywOHB . . pic.twitter.com/6v9LhxzX5p — Clay LePard (@ClayLePard) June 24, 2023

For about the last 20 years, Tom Chambers has served as the keeper of the keys, checking and maintaining the streetcar level of the century-old bridge and waiting for tge day he could truly share it with the community.

"When you’re on that bridge, you look over and you look down on a freighter coming over it looks like you could crawl on that freighter coming over," Chambers, a Cuyahoga County Public Works foreman, said.

On Friday, June 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the public can visit the bridge and participate in a conversation with local officials about what to do with the streetcar level of the bridge.

On Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can take a self-guided tour of the original streetcar station and tracks. Reservations are not required.

It's been an idea floated for years , but Ronayne told News 5 that Cuyahoga County residents are urging action for this prime piece of property.

According to the event's website, all visitors are welcome; however, those 18 and older are required to present a valid ID. Additionally, all visitors must complete a release form prior to entering the bridge. Complete the release form online here.

To learn more about the weekend of festivities, click here.

Clay LePard is a special projects reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow him on Twitter  @ClayLePard  or on Facebook  Clay LePard News 5 . 

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Detroit-Superior Bridge

Veterans memorial bridge.

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge documented: june 24, 2007, and october 1, 2021, bridge documentation, view archived national bridge inventory report - has additional details and evaluation, view historic american engineering record (haer) documentation for this bridge, haer drawings, pdf - haer data pages, pdf, view a pdf of a pamphlet describing this bridge., view historical articles about this bridge, view national register of historic places nomination form for this bridge.

This bridge is the centerpiece and most recognizable of Cleveland's historic bridges. This bridge features a beautiful combination of span types. The main span is a cantilevered three-hinged steel arch that features a trussed arch built to the Pratt truss configuration. The bridge also features 12 large approach spans that are highly embellished concrete open-spandrel deck arches. Three of these approach spans are on the west side of the river, while the east side has nine. The bridge features a deck that includes a cantilevered section outside the arch, which is an alteration dating to the mid-1960s. The bridge also features a lower level that runs under the highway level, and original served a subway system, a function that ended in the 1950s.

This is a gorgeous bridges that features highly attractive design. The ornate concrete arch approach spans provide beauty to anyone traveling below the bridge. The graceful main arch span that thanks to the trussed arch design, also features a beautiful geometric arrangement of trusses to complement the arch shape, that combine to make crossing this bridge a pleasing experience as well.

This bridge is historically significant for being a significant engineering achievement. It also has had the sad distinction of becoming the last of the King Bridge Company landmark bridges to remain standing and not face demolition. As such, this bridge stands today as a critically important monument to the achievements of this nationally important bridge building company. Fortunately, the future of this bridge appears to be secure. The structure has been well-maintained and it enjoys the appreciation of both residents and visitors as a beautiful area landmark.

The total length of this bridge varies depending on which source is consulted. Lengths vary from 2656 Feet (809.6 Meters) to as long as 3112 Feet (948.5 Meters) long. The length in between these two figures 2880 appears to be the correct one, since it is listed in the original site plan for this bridge. The 3112 figure apparently relates to the distance from the east end of the bridge to 25th Street, since this distance is also referenced on the site plan.

Be sure to visit the HABS HAER page for this bridge since it features additional views of the original plans for the bridge, as well as a detailed history documented in the data pages. JPEG versions of the color photos on the HABS HAER pages are available in the HistoricBridges.org photo gallery. The HistoricBridges.org photo gallery offers over 100 photos of this bridge taken in beautiful sunny weather. Also be sure to enjoy photos of the lower deck level of this bridge in the Full / Wallpaper size gallery, courtesy of Steve Mathers.

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Veterans' Memorial (Detroit-Superior) Bridge

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Take a Walking Tour of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge’s Subway Level

Sat 6/22 @ 10am-11pm.

If you have never taken the self-guided tour of the Veterans Memorial Bridge subway level, don’t miss the opportunity, which comes around infrequently.

Once upon a time, streetcars ran underneath the Detroit-Superior Bridge. When they stopped running in 1954, the space became disused and forgotten, although it contains relics of old station stops. In recent year, the county engineer’s office has opened it to visitors once or twice a year, and many remember fondly the years when the Ingenuity Festival was held in the space, with its open views of the river and downtown Cleveland.

The bridge’s underbelly is being opened for free, self-guided tours as part of the Cuyahoga50 celebration of the last Cuyahoga River fire. As part of that celebration, the bridge will feature an immersive color-changing light exhibition by UK-based artist group Squidsoup. There’ll be food trucks, family activities and films as well.

No reservations are required, but you will need to bring an ID and sign a waver. You can do the latter in advance here.

facebook.com/events/

Wear flat shoes!

Cleveland, OH 44113

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One Response to “Take a Walking Tour of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge’s Subway Level”

Mark madere.

Check out this cool video from the 2019 tour highlighting one of Squidsoup’s lighting installations! http://bit.ly/CleSubway .

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Detroit-Superior Bridge

The Detroit-Superior Bridge, a 3,112-foot through arch bridge in Cleveland, Ohio, spans the Cuyahoga River. It carries U.S. Routes 6 and 20, linking Detroit Avenue on the city’s west side to Superior Avenue downtown. Constructed by the King Bridge Company, this high-level crossing was built between 1914 and 1917.

Modifications

In the early 1900s, there was a proposal for a high-level crossing over the Cuyahoga River to reduce congestion on the deteriorating Superior Viaduct, which urgently needed significant repairs. City Engineer William J. Carter supported building a bridge from Superior to Franklin Avenues while keeping the older Viaduct as a link between Detroit and St. Clair Avenues. 25 However, Col J. McD. Townsend, a government engineer, argued that a high-level crossing was unnecessary if the existing ban on high masts for lake vessels, primarily used for derrick purposes, was enforced. 31

In 1905, a $2 million bond issue for a high-level bridge along Superior Avenue was approved by a clear majority. 32 But it was later declared invalid due to improper advertisement of the bond ordinance. Subsequently, there was debate over the location of the crossing, and an alternative proposal for a crossing between Lorain and Huron Avenues was twice defeated at the ballot.

In February 1908, Mayor Johnson proposed building a high-level bridge for streetcars and reconstructing the existing Superior Viaduct for automobiles. 29 With no financial progress for the bridge, former county commissioner William Elrick suggested that the county could take on the construction of the Superior Avenue high-level span, bypassing the need for a municipal bond election and requiring only a simple majority for a county bond issue. 26 32

Public hearings on the new bridge continued, and on July 13, 1910, an alignment just north of the Superior Viaduct was selected. 32 35 This decision was immediately contested as it would result in two nearly identical bridges on the same alignment. Despite three lawsuits, all were dismissed. Plans for a $1.3 million high-level crossing were finalized by March’s end, featuring a main steel arch span over the river and open-spandrel steel arches encased in concrete for the approaches. 19 However, a bond issue to fund the crossing failed to pass. 35

In June, the High-Level Bridge Commission suggested selling the Superior Viaduct to the Cleveland Railway Company for conversion into a high-level bridge exclusively for streetcars. 16 A new high-level bridge for automobiles and pedestrians would be built between Detroit and Superior Avenues, funded by a county tax on all taxable property. 35 This proposal passed with a clear majority in November. 32

In January 1911, the county selected the location for the new Detroit-Superior Bridge after consulting with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Industry, Builders Exchange, Federation of Labor, and the city. 11 Most major business interests supported the Detroit-Superior route, except the Chamber of Commerce, which favored a different alignment, 14 arguing that it paralleled existing facilities and would be a financial burden. 15 They preferred a bridge midway between the existing Central Viaduct and the proposed Detroit-Superior Bridge. The Army Corps of Engineers approved the proposed alignment of the Detroit-Superior Bridge on February 29, and the first contract for test borings was awarded on March 23. 32

Construction

The construction of the bridge was managed by W.A. Stinchcomb, A.W. Zesiger, and K.D. Cowen. 35 On May 4, 1912, the O’Rourke Engineering & Construction Company was contracted to build the two main piers, with the King Bridge Company starting the construction of the arches in the fall.

By January 1913, excavation for the east river pier was complete. 35 In September, the Chamber of Commerce proposed placing streetcar tracks on the upper level and accommodating automobiles and pedestrians on the lower level. They also suggested removing one pier to facilitate a planned Cuyahoga River improvement project, which aimed to eliminate a river bend, and requested raising the bridge further. 8 9 However, the county largely dismissed these late proposals, though it was open to removing a pier to improve river navigation. By November, construction commenced on two caisson piers on the west river side and seven concrete pile piers on the east side. 6

Piers 1 and 2 were constructed by sinking caissons in dry excavations 60 to 65 feet deep. 2 35 Piers 5, 6, and 7 were sunk lower to allow for possible changes in the navigable channel. A double row of steel sheeting formed a cofferdam extending 50 feet below river level. Piers 5 to 11 were based on pre-cast reinforced concrete piles, driven with a 5-ton Vulcan hammer and tested to withstand a load of 60 tons for seven days with a maximum settlement of ¼ inch. Piers 3 and 4, supporting the river span, were built within steel sheet piling cofferdams and rested on blue clay 45 feet below river level.

By July 1914, caisson construction for piers 1 and 2 was in progress, excavation for pier 3 had begun, piers 4 and 9 were completed, and concrete piles were driven for pier 5. 35 Test piles for pier 8 were in place, and construction of the concrete piles was about to start. The arches were finished by December, having used 2,123,300 cubic yards of concrete and 9,385,000 pounds of steel. 2 6

The Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Cleveland built secondary piers 1, 2, and 5 to 11, and set the grillage for the cast-steel bolsters supporting the steel arch span. 35

By spring 1915, the west approach was nearly finished, and construction of 90-foot steel towers began to assist in erecting the center arch main span. 35 Eyebar backstays temporarily held the half-arches until they could be joined in the center. Construction of the center span over the river started on July 29 and was completed on October 8.

In the winter of 1915, a crack was discovered on May 1, 1916, in a rib of a 145-foot concrete arch span. 34 Investigation revealed that water intrusion during the pouring process, possibly due to excess water in the concrete or improper workmanship, led to the crack. The affected span was poured on May 27, 1915, and connected to pier 5, which was under observation for horizontal movement. Only the arch ribs had been constructed between piers 5 and 6, and the additional load of the arch ribs and the first floor between piers 6 and 7 placed further stress on pier 5. It was found that pier 5 was shifting westward due to an unbalanced load, threatening the bridge’s structural stability. Pier 6 was also shifting.

To address this, the King Bridge Company decided to lower the steel arch into place and release the backstays from piers 4 and 5. 34 The lower chords of these backstays, made of lattice girders, were then used as struts between piers 4 and 5 to prevent further movement.

In February 1916, plans for constructing inclines that would allow streetcars to transition from the bridge to street level were scrapped. 35 Instead, the city planning commission decided to build short subways extending several hundred feet from each end of the bridge. This design aimed to minimize disruptions to automobile traffic. The subway on the east side extended 185 feet, reaching Superior Avenue at West 9th Street. On the west side, there were two subways: one extending 725 feet west under Detroit Avenue to West 28th Street, and another spanning 560 feet south beneath West 25th Street to Church Avenue.

The bridge featured four pedestrian entrances at Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street, with one situated in the Forest City Building on the southwest corner and another on the south side of Superior Avenue at the bridge’s eastern approach. 35 The above-ground stations were small, wood-framed structures with hipped roofs. The underground sections boasted white glazed tile walls, recessed lighting, waiting areas, boarding platforms, and public restrooms. Tunnels under the tracks provided access to trains heading east, west, and south.

However, proposed extensions of these subways along Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street, as well as along Superior Avenue and around Public Square, estimated to cost between $1.75 million and $2 million, were delayed due to strong opposition from property owners in Ohio City. 5

By December 1917, the bridge’s lower deck was almost ready for regular streetcar service. 32 Work cars were operational on the bridge, finalizing preparations for regular service by Christmas. The Cleveland Railway Company completed the railway installation. 35

The new Detroit-Superior Bridge, constructed at a cost of $5.4 million, 2 was opened for automobile and pedestrian traffic on Thanksgiving Day in 1917. 1 35 Due to wartime conditions, no opening ceremony was held. The bridge’s inaugural streetcar crossing took place on Christmas Eve, carrying 50 prominent officials, including the mayor of Cleveland.

The bridge, designed by William F. Striebinger and overseen by county engineers Frank Lander and Pelgate, spans 3,150 feet. 13 Its main feature was a 665-foot cantilever truss center span. The bridge’s width varied from 81½ feet at the center to 95 feet at the approaches. 35 Its structure includes three concrete arches on the west side of the river and nine on the east side, with the longest clear span measuring 174 feet and the shortest 58 feet. Each concrete arch is supported by four arch ribs, which hold up the beam and slab streetcar deck on heavy spandrel columns spaced 10 feet apart. These columns extend above the lower deck to support the roadway, also constructed of beam and slab.

One unique aspect of the bridge was arch 12, spanning between piers 11 and 12. 35 Due to its crossing over the Big Four Railroad, it required a different design approach. Instead of using centering, which would have interfered with the railroad, a high-rise curve was implemented using three hinged steel arches for both erection and reinforcement.

The bridge’s upper level was designed for automobile traffic and included wide sidewalks on both sides. 2 The lower level housed four streetcar tracks with space for two additional tracks. 5 Two of these tracks were specifically designed for high-speed travel. The streetcar entry portals were located at West 6th Street and Superior Avenue, and at West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue. 1

The completion of the Detroit-Superior Bridge marked it as the city’s first fixed high-level crossing and the third high-level span over the Cuyahoga River. At the time, it was the largest steel and concrete reinforced bridge in the world. 2

In 1927, there was a proposal to remove the unused streetcar tracks on the Detroit-Superior Bridge’s lower level and replace them with additional lanes for automobiles. 35 However, this $1.1 million project never materialized due to funding issues. By 1930, the bridge was handling over 70,000 vehicles daily, making it one of the busiest river crossings in the country. 1 The traffic congestion was somewhat alleviated in the same decade with the openings of the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and the Main Avenue Bridge.

In 1939, the construction of Bulkley Boulevard required changes to the bridge’s west approach. 35 The wooden subway house at the northeast corner of Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street was replaced with a new sandstone structure.

By 1946, the subway stations and street-level entrances had deteriorated significantly, reflecting the overall decline of the city’s streetcar system. 35 Streetcar services on the Detroit Avenue line ended on August 25, 1951, and the West 25th Street line ceased operation on August 15, 1953. A proposal by Mayor Anthony J. Celebreeze in December to convert the lower deck for automobile use was rejected by county engineer Albert S. Porter, who termed it “engineered murder.”

The last streetcar journey over the bridge was a free ride event on January 24, 1954. 35 In February, a temporary roadway was tested over the streetcar tracks.

In May 1955, the city council passed an ordinance allowing the city to fill in the streetcar wells, which were subsequently filled with gravel and asphalt in November. 1 The spandrel arches near the approaches were sealed with cinder blocks, and the stairwells to the subways were closed and covered, leading to the removal of the station houses.

By 1965, the bridge had deteriorated to the point of needing significant rehabilitation. 35 Between 1967 and May 1969, 2 the bridge underwent a $6 million renovation. 35 This included the construction of two new cantilevered traffic lanes on the outside of the main span arch, expanding the bridge width from 45 feet to 72 feet. Sidewalk widths were reduced from 15 feet to five feet, ornamental pylons were removed, and new railings and lighting fixtures were installed.

The Detroit-Superior Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 18, 1974. It was renamed the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Veterans Day in 1989. 1

In September 2002, a project was approved to convert the two cantilevered automobile lanes for use by cyclists and pedestrians. 3 This $2.7 million project was completed in 2004. 4

Information

• State : Ohio
• Route : US Route 6, US Route 20
• Type : Open Spandrel Arch, Steel Arch
• Status : Active - Automobile
• Total Length : 2,656'
• Main Span Length : 591'
• Deck Width : 72'
• “Veterans Memorial Bridge.” The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History . N.p.: Case Western Reserve University, 27 Mar. 1998. Web. 29 July 2012. Article .
• McMichael, Stanley L. The Detroit-Superior High Level Bridge. Bridges of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County . N.p.: n.p., 1918. 7-10. Print.
• “Bridging the gap for Cleveland’s bicyclists and pedestrians.”  EcoCity Cleveland , n.d. Article .
• “Detroit Superior Bridge.”  LAND Studio , n.d. Article .
• “Forget Subways, Hurry Up Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 24 Jan. 1914: 1-16. Print.
• “Sees New Bridge Completed in 1915.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 1 Dec. 1914: 8. Print.
• “Gain Half Year on Span.”  Plain Dealer  [Cleveland], 3 May 1914: 22. Print.
• “Halt New Bridge? Never! Says Board.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 16 Sept. 1913: 14. Print.
• “Won’t Alter Plan For Higher Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 30 Sept. 1913: 2. Print.
• “Split on Bridge Piers.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 30 Mar. 1913: 16. Print.
• “Superior-Detroit Site Chosen for New Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 4 Jan. 1911: 4. Print. (map)
• “Interests Ratify High Bridge Site.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 5 Feb. 1911: 1-2. Print.
• “Wants Classic Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 3 Sept. 1911: 2. Print.
• “Declares Against High Bridge Delay.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 25 Nov. 1911: 4. Print.
• “New Bridge Plan May End Conflict.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 14 July 1910: 1, 16. Print.
• “Ask City to Sell Superior Viaduct.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 1 June 1910: 1-11. Print.
• “Bridge to Follow Superior Route.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 22 June 1910: 5. Print.
• “County is Ready With Bridge Plan.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 20 Jan. 1910: 10. Print.
• “Superior Bridge Plans are Ready.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 31 Mar. 1909: 4. Print.
• “Authorizes Vote for New Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 24 Feb. 1909: 8. Print.
• “Cassidy an Easy Victor; Bonds All Meet Defeat.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 21 Apr. 1909: 1. Print.
• “Working on Grade for Proposed High Level Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 10 Feb. 1909: 10. Print.
• “High Level Bridge Against Brought Up.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 30 Jan. 1909: 12. Print.
• “May Drop Bond Issue.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 25 Feb. 1909: 14. Print.
• “Mayor Originates Move for Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland], 19 Aug. 1909: 1, 8. Print.
• “Says County Can Build Big Bridge.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 7 Aug. 1908: 1, 7. Print.
• “To Study Bridge Cost.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 23 Aug. 1908: 12. Print.
• “Start Bridge Plans.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 5 Feb. 1908: 10. Print.
• “Favors a Viaduct for Street Cars.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 12 Feb. 1908: 3. Print.
• “Wants Change in New Bridge Plans.”  Plain Dealer  [Cleveland] 12 Nov. 1908: 12. Print.
• “Would Condemn All High Masts.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 18 Nov. 1907: 8. Print.
• Rose, W.B. “All in the Day’s Work.”  Plain Dealer [Cleveland] 22 Dec. 1917: 8. Print.
• Waddell, John Alexander Low. “Arch Bridges.” Bridge Engineering . By John Alexander Low Waddell. Vol.1. New York: Publishers Printing, 1916. 631-32. Print.
• Zesiger, A. W. “Crack in New Concrete Arch Explained by Freezing of Pocketed Water.” Engineering News-Record 77.9 (1917): 356. Print.
• Miller, Carol Poh. Detroit-Superior High Level Bridge. N.p.: Historic American Engineering Record , 1978. Print.

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You can help reimagine the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge: The Wake Up for Wednesday, June 21, 2023

• Updated: Jun. 21, 2023, 6:14 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 21, 2023, 6:03 a.m.

• Cliff Pinckard, cleveland.com

Subscribe to the Wake Up , cleveland.com ’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m.

When it opened in 1918, the Veterans Memorial Bridge boasted of being the largest concrete and steel bridge structure in America.

The bridge still carries cars over the Cuyahoga River, from downtown to Ohio City, Superior to Detroit and back. But the 3,000-foot-long lower level of the bridge has been closed since 1954, when Cleveland sold off its streetcars.

It’s been open intermittently for tours in intervening years. Now officials want to permanently reopen the space.

What do you imagine? Bike lanes, pedestrian paths, public art? You can contribute your ideas this weekend.

Overnight Scores and Weather

Guardians vs. Oakland A’s : Guardians rally to beat Oakland, 3-2 , with walk-off win in 10 innings

Northeast Ohio weather forecast : Shower chances return after midnight

Top Stories

Veterans Memorial Bridge : Residents are invited to help determine the future of the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge when the area opens to the public on Friday and Saturday, reports Megan Sims .

Today in Ohio : In Northeast Ohio, an increasingly popular way to shoo away Canada geese, especially those who have taken up year-around residence, is to employ border collies to chase the waterfowl off the property, hopefully so they will never come back. We’re talking about humans’ war with the prolific geese on Today in Ohio , cleveland.com ’s daily half-hour news podcast.

Statehouse and Politics

A printout of the Ohio Senate's 9,198-page, two-year state budget plan sits in front of Senate President Matt Huffman, left, last week. House Speaker Jason Stephens indicated Tuesday that legislative leaders won't pass a final budget plan by June 30, the end of the state's fiscal year. (Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com file photo)

State budget : Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens indicated Tuesday that the state legislature might miss its deadline next week to pass a new two-year budget because of wide disagreements with the state Senate over spending and policy priorities. Jeremy Pelzer reports that not passing a budget by the time the state’s fiscal year ends June 30 likely wouldn’t lead to a state government shutdown, as lawmakers would be able to pass a temporary budget until a final deal is struck.

Abortion amendment : Leaders of the Ohio Democratic Party say they have collected more than 100,000 voter signatures ahead of a key state deadline to set a statewide election in November for a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Andrew Tobias reports the party is among the groups that have collected and compiled signatures ahead of a preliminary Monday deadline set internally by the campaign backing the abortion-rights amendment. Under state law, the campaign has until July 5 to collect and submit roughly 413,000 valid voter signatures.

Northeast Ohio News

A Cuyahoga County corrections corporal sent jail administrators this photo of a meal that provider Trinity Services Group served to inmates on May 30, 2023, warning that the poor food quality might start a riot if not corrected. The photo appears to show a meal of beef and potatoes in a gravy mixture, with a side of corn. (Cuyahoga County)

Food problems : More bad food at the Cuyahoga County jail recently prompted several corrections corporals to demand management action, fearing that if meal service doesn’t improve it could lead inmates to riot, putting the staff’s safety at risk. Kaitlin Durbin reports Corporal William Jordan set off the chain of concerns after a particularly bad meal on May 30, where the county’s food service provider, Trinity Services Group, served what appeared to be beef and potatoes in a gravy mixture, with a side of corn.

Jail costs : Cuyahoga County residents showed up in force Tuesday to oppose Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s plans for building a new county jail, advocating instead for the county to spend money on services meant to keep people out of the justice system altogether, Kaitlin Durbin reports . At least 75 people attended Tuesday’s council meeting, most of them supporting comments from the 14 residents who spoke out against the proposed cost, location and general need for a new county jail.

Solar power : Legislation recently introduced in the Ohio General Assembly would allow for the construction of small solar power installations across the state that would give residents vastly more access to discounted renewable energy through local projects. Peter Krouse reports House Bill 197 calls for a pilot project that would allow for the development of so-called “community solar” arrays of limited size.

Fire death : The son of an elderly woman who was killed in a house fire Saturday says an entire community will miss his mother, reports Olivia Mitchell . Geraldine Harris, 72, died in the house fire that broke out about 4 a.m. at her home in 1200 block of East 135th Street.

Native blooms : Gardeners spent hours deciding among an overwhelming number of options for their butterfly garden and researching the colors, bloom times, and full-grown shape of the perennial plants for the Tom Harvey Memorial Butterfly Garden in the South Russell Village Community Park. Susan Brownstein has some of your best choices for June blooms.

Board of elections : The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is looking to hire 50 temporary workers to help verify petition signatures for a potential issue appearing on the November ballot. Workers will be paid $15 per hour for at least two weeks of work, matching a signer’s signature on a petition to that on their voter registration card, reports Kaitlin Durbin .

Business and Healthcare

Restaurant violations : More than 800 Medina restaurants and food shops were cited during the most recent inspection year, but two-thirds of restaurants received less than 10 citations. Zachary Smith lists the 24 places with the most violations, with the top spot at 55.

Crime and Courts

Child deaths : Two Cleveland women appeared in court Tuesday to face accusations of murdering their young children in separate incidents last week. Timmeka Eggleton, 30, is accused of killing her 3-year-old son, while Kristel Candelario, 31, is alleged to have murdered her 16-month-old daughter after leaving her home alone while she went on vacation, John Tucker reports .

Plea change : A lawyer who once represented a former East Cleveland police officer charged in a wide-ranging corruption investigation testified Tuesday that he did not review many pieces of evidence in the case or investigate the confidential informant’s background before his client pleaded guilty to a felony bribery charge in January. The testimony came during a hearing on a motion that Demarkco Johnson’s new attorney, Allison Hibbard, filed in March seeking to withdraw Johnson’s guilty plea, Cory Shaffer reports .

Cocaine sentence : An associate of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel who worked with a city of Cleveland employee to funnel a half-ton of cocaine into the Cleveland area was sentenced Tuesday to nearly four years in prison. Adam Ferrise reports David Gomez-Orrantia, 42, helped facilitate drug deals for the cartel and former Cleveland Waste Collection Department employee Christopher Ficklin.

Pride flag : Hudson police say a Pride flag was taken from a resident’s home on Colony Drive and burned. State Rep. Casey Weinstein, a Democrat from Hudson, said a constituent emailed him last week to share that the flag was set on fire early June 11, reports Molly Walsh .

‘Forever nightmare’ : Jennifer Brothers wept as she told a federal judge Tuesday that the man who sold her son the counterfeit oxycodone pills that led to his death has left a gaping hole in her life. U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver handed down a 15-year prison sentence for Michael Edwards, 23, of Stow, saying that he hopes drug dealers will take note, Adam Ferrise reports .

Arts and Entertainment

Tina and Amy : Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are taking their show – and friendship – on the road and will play Playhouse Square in September. The comedians-actors-writers are scheduled to perform at the State Theatre on Sept. 21, reports Marc Bona , and tickets for their Restless Leg Tour go on sale 10 a.m. Friday.

Ask Yadi : There used to be a time when you only wore pajamas to bed. It’s unclear when this changed or who decided that it was OK to wear pajamas out in public. Are they acceptable to wear outside the house? Yadi Rodriguez weighs in .

Downtown busking : Downtown Cleveland Inc. is bringing back the Downtown Busker Program for its second year, reports Malcolm X Abram . The official street-performance program features 20 pre-selected “pitch” (the area buskers perform) locations and guides for potential buskers to help them find their perfect “pitch.”

You’re all caught up

Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com . If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming an cleveland.com subscriber .

— Curated by Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard

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Detroit-Shoreway Bridge 'Low Line' Project Gets $7M Federal Funding Boost

The money will cover the cost of the county's design and engineering study of how to activate the streetcar level of the bridge.

By Mark Oprea on Thu, Mar 14, 2024 at 9:19 am

Weekend Open House of Veterans Memorial Bridge's Streetcar Level Previews What the 'Low Line' Might Be : More than 9,000 attendees walked the bridge's lower level at events Friday and Saturday

Could a 'Skywalk Park' Over the Cuyahoga River Extend the Redline Greenway? : Lennie Stover is trying to wrangle funding for a feasibility study

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Cleveland Scene

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Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Cleveland Exists

Giorgia Kerr

Giorgia is an anthropologist and freelance writer from Australia, currently living in Cleveland. Her main hobbies are traveling and sleeping in.

More by this Author

Like any city that experienced an industrial boom and rapid slow-down, Cleveland is a modern urbex dream. There’s abandoned buildings everywhere, from massive warehouses to tiny homes. Every city has rumors of underground tunnels: the idea is so full of mystery and adventure, kids and adults alike enjoy the intrigue. But Cleveland actually does have abandoned underground tunnels. These tunnels were part of the Cleveland subway system that used to link west Cleveland to downtown.

The Detroit-Superior subway line was operational until 1954.

Related Stories

This Historic Spot Is One Of The Cleveland Metroparks' Best Kept Secrets

Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Restaurant Near Cleveland

The Incredible Ghost Ship Near Cleveland That Has Been Left In Ruins

Have you been in the abandoned Cleveland subway systems tunnels? Maybe you or someone you know remembers the subway when it was still operational. We’d love for you to share your stories and pictures with us in the comments! You love love learning about Clevelands past, you might be interested in our Cleveland history road trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Adventures in cleveland.

Are there other abandoned places to visit in Cleveland? 

There are so many neat abandoned places in Cleveland to check out. As we said earlier, this city really is the dream of an urban explorer, and it's our hauntingly beautiful abandoned spaces that make it such. A visit to the now crumbling National Acme industrial plant will remind you of America's rich industrial past, and its massive size means there is a lot to be seen. Or you can visit the Warner and Swassey observatory that's just a little bit outside of Cleveland. This now defunct observatory is still quite the site with its large dome, and is a sad reminder of the views that city light pollution has taken from us. Only In Your State also put together a Cleveland road trip that takes you to multiple abandoned sites in just an hour of driving!

Does Cleveland have any haunted places to visit? 

Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy visiting some of the most haunted places around Cleveland. A trip to Franklin Castle is guaranteed to scare the pants off of you. Believed to be the most haunted house in Ohio , this home saw six tragic deaths, and many claim to have encountered spirits. While you can't enter the building, just standing in its shadow is quite intimidating, and you never know what or who may walk past the windows. Another famed sight of hauntings in Cleveland is the House of Wills , a former funeral parlor. If you do your research you may be able to catch a tour of this terrifying spot that has a history as a hospital and speakeasy. So many spirits have been spotted here!

What hidden gems does Cleveland have? 

Not everyone loves a crowd, so finding some of the hidden gems in Cleveland is the perfect way to explore the city but avoid the masses. Perfect for all seasons but even more ideal when gloomy weather is getting you down is the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse . There is an entire acre of dreamy and lush plant life inside the cozy greenhouse and three more acres outside. Another great choice is checking out the stunning Sanctuary Museum . This space looks like a church, but inside is a museum designed to protect and restore religious work. The collections hold statues, paintings, holy relics, and more.

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