CLEVELAND -- On July 17, 2012, the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) approved resolution #2012-63.

It awarded a $10.1 million contract to the Kokosing Construction Co, Inc. of Westerville, OH, to restore and improve the drainage, track, structure and safety systems of a Red Line rail tunnel tunnel under Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Federal funds will cover about 80 percent of the total cost.

Current status

The tunnel closed on Nov. 27, 2012. It is expected to re-open on or before June 8, 2013. During that time, RTA is operaing bus service between the east side bus loop area of the Brookpark Rapid Station and the limo staging area by the short-term parking garage at the Airport terminal, adjacent to the Rapid Station.

During the shutdown

If you are heading to the Airport, exit the Red Line train at the Brookpark Rapid Station, and go to the street level, via stairs or elevator. Follow the directional signs. Look for buses with destination signs that read Red Line. Bus service is coordinated with rail service. Buses operate every 15 minutes.

If you are leaving the Airport, go the RTA Rapid Station, up the escalators, and follow the directional signage to the Airport's limo staging area. Look for buses with destination signs that read Red Line, and ride that bus to the Brookpark Rapid Station.

Fare Collection

TO THE AIRPORT: If you transfer from the Red Line to the bus, use the proof-of-payment pass or farecard that you carried while riding the Red Line. Show it to the operator as you board the bus to the Airport.

LEAVING THE AIRPORT: If you start your trip on the bus at Hopkins, pay the operator and make sure the operator gives you a proof-of-payment document. Keep that with you until you have left the Red Line.

Project background

The Red Line tracks enter a tunnel under State Route 237 and continue under an airport access road and a parking lot. The 1,628 feet long tunnel ends at RTA's Airport Station.

The construction will improve safety and restore the tunnel structure, track and drainage systems. The drainage system isn't working as well as it should, and often creates muddy tracks. At 44 years old, the tunnel is nearing the end of its useful life. Trains are operating safely now, but upgrading this tunnel is an RTA priority.

Construction goals:

• 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 stone ballast track structure with a concrete slab and integral blocks or "plinths" to support the rails.
• Repair structure roof and wall joints, including the concrete retaining walls at the entrance.
• Replac and restore the ventilation system fans and controls.
• Relocateg the signal and communication cable conduits.
• Install a hand-operated "paddle" system to shut off the overhead power in the event of an emergency.