Bridge closure delays traffic for Blossom concertgoers at sold out show

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WJW) – A sold out concert and construction project made for a slower ride home for thousands of concertgoers Monday night.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage at Blossom Music Center before a sold out crowd. People arrived early to get a good parking spot, which on this night meant back by the exit gate.

“Try to get in quick and get out quick,” said Lee Haney.

That’s because one of the main routes out of town and away from Blossom Music Center is partially closed.

Aaron Engelhart, office manager with the Summit County Engineer’s Office, said the eastbound lane on the Steels Corners Bridge will be closed for the next 90 days.

“We’re doing routine maintenance, we’re repairing some guardrail approaches, we’re relaying concrete over the top on the deck and then we are also doing the expansion joints,” said Engelhart.

Some drivers questioned why the project’s happening during the height of summer concert season, not only impacting this show but other big events.

Engelhart responded, saying there are only a few warm months in Northeast Ohio and the work must be done or else they could face an even worse situation down the road.

“We want to do it now before we have to close the entire bridge because closing the entire bridge would be a bigger problem,” he said.

Most concertgoers who spoke with FOX 8 were aware of the issue and seemed to be taking the news in stride.

Blossom had posted an alert on social media earlier in the day.

“Eastbound is going to be difficult but thankfully I am local,” said Andrew Miller.

Others parked near the entrance/exit gates hoped that it would give them a jump on traffic but were prepared for anything.

“It shouldn’t be an issue, we may have to wait here an hour as I’ve done in the past,” said Pete Ostapiek.

“Figure it’s going to be slow so just going be patient,” said Lee Haney.

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