GCRTA tunnel project to begin in November
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
On November 27, Ohio's Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will begin work on restoration of the Red Line rail tunnel under Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
The $10.1-million project is being completed by Kokosing Construction Co, Inc., which will restore and improve the drainage, track, structure and safety systems of the tunnel.
The tunnel will be closed for six months. The Red Line tracks enter a tunnel under State Route 237 and continue under the airport access road and a parking lot. The tunnel is 1,628 feet long and will be closed for six months while work is being done.
Construction crews will:
• Clean existing drainage pipes and replace damaged ones.
• Install a trench drainage system at the tunnel entrance.
• Replace existing drainage pumps and controls.
• Replace the wood tie and ballast track structure with a concrete slab and integral blocks or “plinths” to support the rails.
• Repair tunnel structure roof and wall joints, including the concrete retaining walls at the tunnel entrance.
• Replace and restore the ventilation system fans and controls.
• Relocate the signal and communication cable conduits.
• Install a hand-operated “paddle” system to shut off the overhead power in the event of an emergency.
At 44 years old, the tunnel is nearing the end of its useful life. While trains are operating safely now, this is an RTA repair priority.
