RTA to Complete S-Curve Retaining Wall and Resume Full Red Line Service by Late August

Board Ratifies Change-Order Contract to Finalize Project Funding

CLEVELAND, OH – The Board of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) today ratified a change-order to a construction contract that provides the final funding for repairs to stabilize the S-Curve retaining wall on the Red Line’s West Side. Construction consists of the installation of nearly 70 steel beam frames along approximately 300 feet of the retaining wall.  The work is anticipated to take several weeks and should be completed by late August, said RTA’s Deputy General Manager of Engineering, Mike Schipper.

Here is the background on the project:

RTA engineering staff had been monitoring the S-Curve retaining wall between W. 117th St. and West Blvd. stations for nearly a year. However, this spring, the wall movement accelerated. 

On May 30, safety concerns prompted the immediate suspension of rail service in that area. On May 30, RTA notified customers that a portion of the Red Line was being closed immediately so that crews could perform emergency repairs. Buses replaced trains between those two stops.

Also on May 30, RTA engaged the contractor, Great Lakes Construction. They immediately began design, outlined the scope of service, obtained materials, and began repairs. That initial contract for $650,000 was ratified at the June 4 special board meeting. 

On July 5, once the design and project scope were determined, a change-order was approved to fund the project in its entirety. Today, the RTA board ratified that change-order for an additional $650,000, bringing the project total to $1.3 million.