Jun 24, 2015
CLEVELAND -- The sign says, "Go slow, work zone ahead."
You see these signs pop up every summer on highways. Summer is the season for construction on railroads, too, including those operated by the Greater Cleveland Regionla Transit Authority (RTA).
RTA is investing heavily in rail
- 50 percent of RTA’s capital budget is spent on rail, while
- 20 percent of RTA customers use rail.
While some projects are exciting, such as new rail stations at Brookpark and Little Italy-University Circle, some are just necessary, such as replacing 6,000 railroad ties every year to keep the track system in a state of good repair.
Keeping you safe
Because of the number of rail construction projects underway, RTA has reduced the speed limit in work zones for the safety of customers and workers. As you know, a number of serious rail accidents have occurred recently around the country. Because of these accidents, RTA and other rail systems have enhanced their safety procedures.
RTA’s number 1 concern is to keep you safe, so “slow orders” will remain in place until needed track improvements are completed. Speeds have been reduced from an average of 45 mph to 30 mph.
New timetables
RTA estimates that the slow orders are extending the trip from Brookpark to Tower City by 5-10 minutes. Please plan your trip accordingly and allow extra travel time during the construction season. Your fellow commuters who drive have had to add time to their normal commute, as well, because of numerous major roadway and bridge projects underway.
To help you make your connections and reach your destination on time, all eastbound Red Line trips will leave West Side stations 3 minutes earlier than the times on the timetable dated May 24. New timetables, dated June 22, are available online. Printed copies will be available as soon as possible.
Media Contact:
- 216-566-5211
- 216-390-9605, cell