The Ohio Turnpike will put detours in place near Akron Thursday night as a contractor moves a construction crane at the Tinkers Creek bridge replacement site, the Turnpike announced. The traffic pattern change is scheduled to run from 7 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting.
Where the detours will be
Detours will be posted on message boards on the Turnpike, but officials provided the following routes for drivers to follow to rejoin the mainline:
- Eastbound traffic: Exit 180 (Akron/State Route 8) → SR 8 south → SR 303 east → SR 14 west → back to the Ohio Turnpike.
- Westbound traffic: Exit 187 (Streetsboro/I-480/SR 14) → SR 14 east → SR 303 west → SR 8 north → back to the Ohio Turnpike.
| Direction | Exit | Primary detour roads |
|---|---|---|
| Eastbound | Exit 180 (Akron / SR 8) | SR 8 S → SR 303 E → SR 14 W |
| Westbound | Exit 187 (Streetsboro / I-480 / SR 14) | SR 14 E → SR 303 W → SR 8 N |
Why and what to expect
The Turnpike said the detours are needed so a contractor can move a construction crane associated with the Tinkers Creek bridge replacement. Officials stressed the operation depends on favorable weather; if conditions make the crane move unsafe, the work will be postponed.
"Detours will be posted on message boards," the Turnpike said in its advisory.
The agency also issued a clarification after an earlier advisory misstated the detour end time. The correct end time is midnight, not 9 p.m., officials said.
Local impact and advice
The temporary rerouting will send Turnpike traffic onto state routes through Akron-area neighborhoods and may increase congestion on those roads during the overnight window. Motorists should expect posted detours and follow message boards. Emergency responders and local agencies typically coordinate with the Turnpike for these operations, but drivers should plan extra travel time if they must use the affected corridors Thursday night.
- Check Turnpike message boards and local traffic alerts before traveling.
- Allow extra time if your route uses SR 8, SR 303 or SR 14 near the detour points.
- Be prepared for the possibility the move is postponed if weather conditions change.
This operation is part of ongoing work to replace the bridge at Tinkers Creek, a project that requires periodic lane and ramp closures. Drivers moving through the area overnight should follow posted detours and exercise caution around work zones.
