Cleveland's Dead Man's Curve Once Had A Harrowing Speed Limit Of 50 MPH
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 01, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Dead Man’s Curve. It’s not the happiest nickname for a stretch of highway, but it’s one that anyone that has ever driven through I-90 in Cleveland will instantly recognize. According to legend, the moniker nods to a rather gruesome history at this spot… and it’s no surprise, really, as the Innerbelt Curve arcs at a nearly 90-degree angle. Dead Man’s Curve in Cleveland has a fascinating story to tell, and it is one that is perhaps told through pictures. Buckle up and get ready to hit the brakes, because we’re going to go back in time to explore this unusual Cleveland landmark.
As drivers are heading along 1-90 in Downtown Cleveland, they'll see Lake Erie's waves on the horizon. But first, they'll pass a curve that's nearly 90 degrees.
When this curve first opened, its speed limit was 50 miles per hour. Experienced drivers and new drivers alike could easily lose control on the curve at this speed, and it instantly became an infamous Cleveland landmark.
When the Innerbelt Freeway was first conceived, the idea was to alleviate a build-up of traffic around Downtown Cleveland.
Planning began circa 1944, and work began nearly a decade later, according to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. It was built in segments, and the last ramp finally opened to drivers in 1962. However, there was one portion of the curve that was instantly problematic... and thus the Dead Man's Curve nickname was born.
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In 1969, a bit of construction helped alleviate the severity of the curve at this problematic spot... but rumble strips and flashing lights were also added to ensure drivers understood to slow down.
Of course, dropping the speed limit to 35 in 1965 helped quite a bit. However, drivers often still failed to slow down or misjudged the curve and ultimately flipped their vehicle.
In fact, modern-day improvements are a constant topic of discussion. However, major improvements to the curve are suspected to be a decade away, if not further out. Despite all the hullabaloo, Dead Man's Curve is not the most dangerous roadway in Cleveland... perhaps surprisingly, none of Cleveland's most dangerous roadways are part of the highway system.
A 35 MPH speed limit and improvements like proper signage, rumble strips, and flashing lights have made drivers much more aware of the risk.
While the ominous nickname of this spot doubtlessly lends to a bit of the unintentional exaggeration, there have been some notable traffic incidents in recent years that continue to keep Dead Man's Curve at the top of mind for locals.
While there was a recent accident at the curve that was, unfortunately, fatal, it was the first fatal crash in the area in at least a decade. Most commuters will simply lose a hubcap on the intense turn if anything goes awry, but some - particularly large trucks - do struggle quite a bit with the turn. In early 2021, a semi flipped on the curve and caused a 16-hour closure.
As you're navigating the curves and corners of Cleveland's unusual roads, just remember to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
If you're a newbie to this area, a Foursquare page has been made to provide tips and warnings from other drivers. It's also worth noting for newbies and visitors that just past this area is Cleveland's own Whale Wall, a landmark that's surprising considering there is no ocean anywhere near The Buckeye State.
Improvements have made Dead Man's Curve more of a Mildly Uncomfortable To Drive Around Curve, but that title's a bit of a mouthful, so the former name has stuck. Improvements are top of mind, however, so perhaps one day we can retire the Innerbelt Curve's unfortunate nickname.
To this day, traffic incidents keep Dead Man's Curve top of mind, but it's not quite as dangerous as it once was. As of right now, keep your eyes on the road and drive cautiously -- Dead Man's Curve may one day be a distant memory as improvements further ease its intense curve.
There’s no roadway quite like Dead Man’s Curve in Cleveland… and locals would prefer to keep it that way. While this spot hasn’t claimed very many fatalities in several decades, it’s still a hot spot for accidents and traffic incidents. Do you remember your first time driving around Dead Man’s Curve? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
