The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has completed design work for the estimated $7 million restoration and improvement of the "S-Curve" Red Line rail track. Construction work will begin as soon as funding sources are identified.

As the name implies, the track curves first in one direction, then the other, as it ascends from the West 98th Street rail station to the West 117th Street rail station. The S-Curve, part of the Windermere to the Airport Red Line built in 1955, extends more than 3,000 feet.

Design work was done by TranSystems Cleveland office. On May 12, 2009, the RTA Board of Trustees awarded TranSystems a $400,000 design contract, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

The existing track drainage system is not working properly. Portions of the track are constantly wet, and water flows from one section of track to another. The entire drainage system must be cleaned, with certain portions needing to be replaced. A slab that supports track at the west end of the curve will also be replaced.

The retaining walls and one bridge abutment require repairs and strengthening. New rails, ties and ballast (the stones that support the ties) will ensure that the track is maintained, with periodic maintenance that does not interrupt service. Finally, the overhead power system will be adjusted to best align with the new tracks.