Project Overview
We're making changes to Stokes Boulevard between Chester Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive to address traffic safety concerns, improve the condition of the roadway, and strengthen connections in our growing citywide bike network.
Share your thoughts with us by attending an upcoming event, taking the online survey linked below, or using the comment form at the bottom of this page. We want to hear from you!
Why Stokes Boulevard?
About 38% of vehicles on Stokes Boulevard are travelling over the speed limit. We're working to create a street that's safer for everyone who lives, works, goes to school, or simply travels along Stokes Boulevard. A street that is safe, comfortable, and easy to navigate is critical to supporting the nearly 1,000 residential units that have been constructed along Stokes in the past decade.
This project aligns with our Vision Zero commitment to end crashes that result in fatal and serious injuries. There were 156 crashes on this section of Stokes Boulevard between 2021-2025, with 1 fatal crash and 2 crashes causing serious, life changing injuries.
Stokes Boulevard is an important link in the city’s expanding bike network and connects to existing bike lanes on Euclid Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive, as well as the Harrison Dillard Bikeway. You can learn more about our bike network on our Cleveland Moves webpage.
Project Area Map:
Project Scope
We've heard from neighbors that they're interested in making Stokes Boulevard safer. In 2015 the City of Cleveland, NOACA and University Circle Inc. sponsored a Transportation and Mobility Study that highlighted many of the key components incorporated into this project.
Through this project, we intend to accomplish the following:
- Repave the street
- Upgrade curb ramps to meet accessibility standards
- Replace curbs, sidewalks, and driveway aprons as needed
- Improve drainage through repairing or replacement of catch basins as needed
We are also looking for opportunities to include the following:
- Add pedestrian safety enhancements, such as new crosswalks, in key locations
- Introduce a new bikeway that will connect to existing bike lanes on both ends of the project
Proposed Design
The proposed design for Stokes Boulevard reduces the number of drive lanes to create a safer, calmer street. With fewer lanes, the roadway becomes easier for people to navigate and helps slow traffic by visually narrowing the road. The excess roadway space would be used to introduce separated bike lanes in both directions. The proposed design also identifies opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, add greenery, and provide on-street parking in select locations to better serve nearby destinations.
Use the dropdowns below to learn more about the various proposed project elements.
The image below illustrates how Stokes Boulevard currently operates with four southbound travel lanes.
The image below illustrates the proposed design for most of Stokes Boulevard. The design includes a road diet to better balance safety and mobility for all users.
Between Chester Avenue and Euclid Avenue, Stokes Boulevard is proposed to be converted to one drive lane in each direction, along with a two-way separated bike lane on the east side of the street.
Between Euclid Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Stokes Boulevard is proposed to be converted to two southbound drive lanes and a two-way separated bike lane on the east side.
Example of a bike signal at the Detroit-Superior Bridge in Cleveland:
New bike signals are proposed to be installed at Chester Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Carnegie Avenue, and Cedar Avenue to help people riding bikes navigate intersections safely. This equipment can detect people on bikes as they approach, helping ensure signals respond appropriately.
At Stokes Boulevard and Reserve Court, the existing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will remain. A new RRFB is also proposed to be installed near Ambler Park and the Lake-to-Lakes Trail, creating a safer crossing for trail users.
Example of an RRFB on West 65th Street in Cleveland:
As part of this project, the intersections at Wilbur Avenue/East 107th Street and Petrarca Road are proposed to be redesigned to enhance safety and improve how traffic moves through the area for everyone.
The proposed redesign for the intersection of Wilbur Avenue and E. 107th Street includes:
- Narrowing drive lanes to help calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds
- Shortening crossing distances to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross
- Adjusting the intersection layout to improve visibility and encourage slower turning movements
- Adding new greenery (bright green area)
The proposed redesign for the intersection of Petrarca Road includes:
- Shortening crossing distances to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross
- Adjusting the intersection layout to improve visibility and encourage slower turning movements
- Adding new greenery (bright green area)
Engagement
Throughout 2026, we'll be out at community events around Stokes Boulevard to let people know about the project and collect your feedback. Here's a list of events we have attended or will be attending:
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
| Ward 6 Community Meeting *The Stokes Boulevard presentation will be included as part of a broader meeting agenda. View the presentation | Fairhill Partners 12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120 | 5/12/26 | 6-8pm |
| This list will be updated regularly with our event schedule. | |||
Project FAQs
This webpage will be updated regularly with Frequently Asked Questions as the project develops.
- Design begins: October 2025
- Design completion: Winter 2026
- Construction contractor selection (bidding process): Spring 2027
- Construction begins: Spring/Summer 2027
- Construction complete: Summer 2028
We will continue to update this schedule throughout the project to reflect progress and any changes.
The Stokes Boulevard project is funded by the following two funding sources:
- Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) Federal Funds
- City of Cleveland Road and Bridge Bonds & Public Utility Funds
Separated bike lanes make the street safer for everyone using it, no matter how they travel. Physical separation increases comfort for people on bikes and on the sidewalk. It also visually narrows the road for drivers which leads to slower, safer vehicle travel speeds. We can use different materials to physically separate bike lanes, including plastic flexible delineators and concrete curb or jersey barriers.
Separated bike lanes are proven to improve safety for everyone on the road, not just bike riders. Separated bike lanes:
- Reduce average maximum vehicle speed by 28%
- Reduce crashes for all modes by 30-50%
Stokes Boulevard currently has no bicycle facilities and is wider than necessary, which encourages drivers to speed above the 35 mph speed limit. Introducing bicycle facilities would help calm all traffic on Stokes Boulevard and build out an important gap in Cleveland's bikeway network.
As part of the Complete and Green Streets Policy, the Transportation Infrastructure Advisory Committee (TIAC) reviewed this project. The TIAC provides design input at the earliest stages of a project's planning. The goal of the TIAC is to create projects that add more greenery, improve safety, and create better transportation options for all users.
While the Stokes Boulevard redesign is being constructed, traffic is anticipated to be maintained by building one side of the road at a time and keeping the other side open. Detour routes will also be provided.
The project is anticipated to be constructed in 2 phases, with each phase being completed prior to starting the next phase, as described below:
Phase 1:
Phase 1 will construct the eastern half of Stokes Boulevard from Chester Avenue to MLK Jr. Drive. One lane of southbound traffic will be maintained on the western half of Stokes Boulevard throughout construction. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
Phase 2:
Phase 2 will construct the western half of Stokes Boulevard from Chester Avenue to MLK Jr. Drive. One lane of southbound traffic will be maintained on the eastern half of Stokes Boulevard throughout construction. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
Email Sign-Up Form
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