Updated Dec 8, 2008
In 2009, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is planning to make changes to the Red Line rail tunnel at Hopkins International Airport.
The changes – now being designed – are geared toward safety and timely running.
The Red Line runs through a transit tunnel under the State Route 237 and airport access roads and parking areas. A recent inspection and evaluation showed that the tunnel
drainage system needs to be improved.
The drainage system now gathers water and accumulates mud, thus interfering with the smooth running of the rail line.
Two plans, both short-term and long-term, are being put on the table to improve the drainage system and deal with the secondhand effects on the rail line.
In the short term:
- Both the internal and external drainage repairs are to be completed.
- The drainpipes will be cleaned and the damaged ones removed above the tunnel inlets and manholes.
- The existing drainage pumps will be replaced.
- The ties and rails near the terminal station will also be replaced with ones made of concrete.
- The roof joints and walls, including the concrete retaining walls, will be repaired.
In the long term, the goals are:
- to replace the internal drain system entirely, along with the concrete flooring, ballast, pumps, and controls.
- The signal and communication conduit will be relocated.
- A trench drainage system will be installed at the tunnel entrance.
The combined short-term and long-term projects, when completed, are estimated to run about $6 million.
The tunnel is expected to close for approximately a month in late 2009. To replace the Red Line rail service, those who wish to reach the airport can take a shuttle bus
service that will operate from the Brookpark rail station to Hopkins.
