Main Avenue Bridge

Main Avenue Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that crosses the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, connecting different parts of the city with a steel deck structure. The bridge supports the flow of traffic on Ohio State Route 2 with its elevated roadway designed to carry vehicles safely over the river below.

The bridge opened in 1939, replacing an older swing bridge that had served the river crossing since the 1800s as part of Cleveland's shoreway development project. This new structure represented a major advancement in the city's transportation capabilities for the 20th century.

The bridge received designation as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2021, joining an elite group of 230 recognized projects nationwide.

The bridge is open to foot and vehicle traffic with observation opportunities along its length and views toward the river and surrounding areas. Daytime visits work best for seeing the structure and the landscape clearly from different vantage points.

The construction required 24,000 tons of steel and 55,000 cubic yards of concrete, making it the longest elevated structure in Ohio until 2007.

Location: Cleveland

Official opening: 1939

Part of: Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

GPS coordinates: 41.49870,-81.70510

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02