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Cleveland shuts down rail transit line over bridge concerns

By David Lassen | September 9, 2021

Waterfront Line had been closed for track project, but planned resumption of service has been put off

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority logoCLEVELAND — The Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority has extended the shutdown of Waterfront Line rail service indefinitely over safety concerns related to a bridge on the route.

The 2.2-mile line has been shut down since October 2020 for a track rehabilitation project, but an RTA statement says an inspection determined the structure needed four interim support towers for stabilization. Cracks in the structure had been found during a 2018 inspection, leading rail traffic on the bridge to be limited to one train at a time.

Consultant Hardesty & Hanover, which conducted the inspection, advised that service should not resumed until a permanent solution is built. Ruhlin Construction has received an emergency contract for the support towers, to be completed by late October. Hardesty & Hanover has begun design work on the permanent solution. The project is expected to take two years.

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