West Side Red Line Back in Service, Just in Time for Browns Game

West side portions of RTA's Red Line rapid transit line has been out of service most of the summer as crews have repaired the retaining walls that border the tracks.

Since May 30, the Red Line has been replaced with shuttle buses from the West Blvd - Cudell stop all the way to Hopkins. These replacement buses have added significant travel time for those making their way to or from the airport or West Park.

But repairs are now complete!

The Red Line's west side stops re-opened this week after final safety inspections were completed over the weekend.

RTA said that their contractors and engineers installed 75 steel beam frames to stabilize approximately 300 feet of an "S-curve" retaining wall. The project cost the agency $1.3 million, all told.

“It was not an easy decision to close our rail line because of the inconvenience to our riders, but we had to put the safety of our customers first,” said RTA’s Interim CEO and General Manager, Floun’say Caver, in a statement provided to the media. “We want to thank our riders for their patience, and we look forward to serving them again with the service they’ve come to depend on every day and for special events.”

Speaking of special events, the Browns final preseason game is tonight (Thursday 8/29). If you're coming from the west side and plan to consume alcohol, do everyone a favor and take the train. 

Sign up for Scene's weekly newsletters to get the latest on Cleveland news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.