CLEVELAND — 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.
Perhaps GCRTA should seek UP’s help in repairing this bridge.
TWO YEARS? Seriously?
UP repaired a heavily damaged bridge in a remote area in about a month’s time. THIS is why government is such a joke to so many. Any bets the whole of Brightline will be up and running before this one bridge is replaced?