Streetcar Level of Veterans Memorial Bridge Opens To The Public This Weekend

Inside the Veterans Memorial Bridge are the last remnants of a piece of Cleveland history. Underneath the top layer of the Veterans Memorial Bridge is an enclosed layer where streetcars used to carry commuters back and forth. Now the city is opening the street car level back up for walking tours to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

The Veterans Memorial Bridge was originally the Detroit Superior Bridge, opened in 1917, with the streetcar level opening in 1918. In 1954 the street car service ended operations with the level being sealed in 1955. Traffic on the upper level continued, however, and in 1976 the bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the bridge was renamed the Veterans Memorial Bridge. 

For the last decade, the streetcar level periodically opens up for walking tours and art exhibits. Demand to see the streetcar level is high, with up to 10,000 guests attending self-guided walking tours in past years. 

On Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m., the self guided walking tour will allow anyone to roam the street car level and see the bridge’s original features, while also listening to live music. Cuyahoga County is opening up even more sections in the streetcar level for the 2026 event, which is free and open to the public.

This year, to celebrate America’s 250th, the self guided walking tour will conclude with Picnic in the Park an event hosted by Canalway at Canal Basin Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can expect to see live music and can also enjoy a variety of food trucks and family friendly activities. 

Beyond the Saturday tours, the bridge is regularly accessible throughout the summer. Take-a-Hike walking tours also offer guided tours through the streetcar level every Friday through September. 

County workers hope for the bridge to one day turn into a park that can accommodate bikers, commuters and those interested in taking in the views. A couple of years ago, the project earned $7 million in federal funds. 

“We have the latest in conceptual plans, and we’d love visitors on Saturday to engage with those,” says Annie Pease, Cuyahoga County’s senior advisor on transportation. “We’re excited to share renderings and an update on that project.”

Find more details about the event at cuyahogacounty.gov.

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