Updated Aug. 22, 2010
The design of a new Brookpark Rapid Station by
Bialosky + Partners is now approaching 30 percent completion. By the end of 2010, it will be submitted for approval
to city officials in both Cleveland and Brook Park. The design will be completed in 2011, with construction dependent upon funding. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit
Authority (RTA) is actively seeking funds from federal sources for this important project.
The design of the new station includes:
- Reconstruction of both the eastern & western entrances.
- Construction of new platform and canopies.
- Reconstruction of a new tunnel under the existing freight railroad tracks from the parking area to the entry building.
- Reorientation of the parking area to increase pedestrian and parking safety.
- Installation of landscaping and wider sidewalks throughout the site.
- Addition of enhanced passenger waiting areas, both inside and outside the station.
- Installation of additional lighting, security systems and cameras to enhance security.
- Use of green/sustainability design principles.
Background
The Brookpark Station, 18010 Brookpark Road, is the last station on the Red Line before the airport. It lies in both the cities of Cleveland and Brook Park. Because of its location in the southwest part of the county, nearby connections to I-480 and I-71, the number of bus routes it serves, and the abundant supply of 600+ parking spaces, it is an important station in RTA’s network. About 1,400 customers board there daily -- more than at any other station except Tower City.
The Brookpark Station opened on April 20, 1969, as part of a four-mile extension of the heavy rail Red Line to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The historic extension to Hopkins -- the first direct rail connection between a center city and an airport in the Western Hemisphere – actually opened on Nov. 15, 1968, with national TV coverage. Work on the Brookpark Station had not been completed, so the Cleveland Transit System (CTS) opened the station about six months after the Red Line was completed.
To meet requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), RTA constructed a western entrance to the station in 2003. Work included additional parking and universal accessibility. A $946,000 contract was awarded to the Cold Harbor Building Co. of Chardon. One-third of the work was federally funded.
In 2005, RTA began to market the 15.5-acre site for development. Its proximity to Hopkins International Airport, Brookpark Road, I-71 and I-480 provide it with an excellent location. RTA would like to incorporate the principles of transit-oriented development (TOD) to create a destination for transit riders, provide RTA customers with added conveniences, and expand the economy with jobs and investment.
