Port of Cleveland Marks Historic Milestone with Completion of Irishtown Bend Hillside Stabilization

CLEVELAND, OH — The Port of Cleveland has officially completed the stabilization of the Irishtown Bend hillside, marking a historic milestone for public safety, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship along the Cuyahoga River. On Friday, February 13, the Port will formally transfer leadership of the project to Cleveland Metroparks and its partners, who will begin the next phase of work to bring a 25-acre public park to life for residents of Northeast Ohio.

Irishtown Bend, located along the Cuyahoga River between West 25th Street, the Superior–Detroit Bridge, and Columbus Road, is named for the Irish immigrants who once lived in the area. Prior to the Port’s involvement, the hillside experienced significant erosion and movement, forcing road closures and raising serious safety concerns. Video captured before project planning showed continuous hillside movement, signaling a high risk of catastrophic failure.

Without the Port’s investment, the hillside would have eventually collapsed into the river, blocking navigation in both directions and disrupting commerce not only in Cleveland, but across the American Heartland. Such a collapse would have threatened manufacturing and mining industries throughout the region and the tens of thousands of jobs they support.

Recognizing the magnitude of the risk, the Port of Cleveland initiated action following its 2012 strategic plan, beginning with an underwater bulkhead survey completed in 2015. In 2016, capital funds were secured and the Port began acquiring more than 20 land parcels to gain site control. A vision plan followed in 2017, with significant grant funding awarded between 2018 and 2022. Construction on the stabilization project began in 2023.

The $65 million hillside stabilization effort is a critical first step in a broader $100 million initiative to transform Irishtown Bend into a 25-acre public park and community amenity. By stabilizing the hillside, the Port has ensured the long-term integrity of the Cuyahoga River as a vital corridor for both industry and recreation.

“This project reflects the Port of Cleveland at its very best — protecting public safety, safeguarding commerce, and laying the groundwork for transformational community assets,” said Jeff Epstein, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “Stabilizing Irishtown Bend was not optional — it was essential. Completing this work ensures the river remains open and functional, while unlocking the future potential of this site as a one-of-a-kind public park for generations to come.”

Linda Sternheimer, Vice President of Urban Planning and Development, who has overseen the project from its earliest planning stages through completion, emphasized the long-term vision behind the effort. “This was a complex, multi-year undertaking that required persistence, collaboration, and a clear commitment to the community,” Sternheimer said. “Stabilizing the hillside was the foundational step. With this work complete, we are proud to hand the project to Cleveland Metroparks and other members of the Irishtown Bend Park collaborative so they can build a park that reconnects people to the river and transforms Irishtown Bend into a true regional destination.”

The success of the Irishtown Bend Hillside Stabilization project was made possible through strong partnerships with numerous local, state, and federal agencies and community organizations, including:

  • Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD)
  • Ohio Department of Transportation
  • Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  • City of Cleveland
  • Cuyahoga County
  • Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
  • Land Studio
  • Ohio City Inc.
  • West Creek Conservancy
  • Cleveland City Council
  • Cleveland Metroparks
  • State of Ohio
  • Clean Ohio / Ohio Department of Public Works
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
  • US Department of Transportation

About the Port of Cleveland

The Port of Cleveland is a key economic driver for Northeast Ohio, generating over $7 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more than 23,000 jobs. As a leading hub for international and Great Lakes shipping, the Port handles roughly 12 million tons of cargo each year. Established in 1968, the Port also advances regional growth through infrastructure improvements, shoreline resiliency projects, and development financing that supports both public and private investments. Guided by a nine-member board, the Port’s mission is to foster job creation, economic vitality, and global competitiveness for the Greater Cleveland region.

For more information on the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, visit www.portofcleveland.com.

Media Contact:
Kierra Cotton
Kierra.Cotton@portofcleveland.com
216-377-1343