Cleveland RTA debuts new Red Line rail station

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) earlier this week opened the new $15.6 million Little Italy-University Circle rail station.

The first new station along the RTA's Red Line in 46 years, the structure replaces an older facility less than a half mile away, agency officials said in a press release.

The station includes a platform headhouse and entrance plaza that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as a heavy-duty elevator and stairway from the street level to the platform and waiting areas.

RTA's crews also rehabilitated two transit track bridges and installed concrete sidewalks, landscaping and lighting, agency officials said.

In 2008, several local institutions participated in a study on transit-oriented development in the area, which sparked discussion on building a new station. Construction began in October 2013.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) contributed $12.5 million toward the project, RTA officials said.

"In Cleveland and across America, investments like this one are helping to revitalize neighborhoods, spur new development and offer residents an attractive and convenient travel option for getting to work, school and other important destinations," said FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan.