Downtown Toledo roadwork update: Project may wrap up soon

TOLEDO, Ohio — Construction on Summit and Cherry streets in downtown Toledo is nearing its end, a city of Toledo spokesperson told WTOL 11 Thursday. 

The intersection has been under construction and affecting traffic patterns since roadwork began in August 2024. Nearly a year later, the intersection remains largely closed, though the city said the project is currently ahead of schedule. 

The spokesperson said the city hopes to have the project wrapped up by mid-June. This is earlier than the initially anticipated date of completion, which was at first estimated to be the end of July. 

The project, which is currently in its second phase,  has necessitated the closure of Summit Street in both directions between Cherry and Walnut streets. That phase began in March, while the first phase, which began last August, kept the Cherry and Summit intersection partially open to traffic. 

The project has not been without its critics. Some motorists, residents and pedestrians have lamented the construction and expressed safety concerns. 

But the city of Toledo has said the project is meant to improve the area. It launched the Cherry and Summit streets improvement project as an extension of earlier work completed along Summit from Lafayette to Jackson streets.

The upgrades include new streetlights, decorative planters, improved sidewalks and curbs, and the installation of median islands at four intersections.