Cleveland transit agency begins East 116th Station project

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) yesterday broke ground on a $7.2 million upgrade to its East 116th-St. Luke's station on the Blue and Green light-rail lines.

The new design will include enhanced security features, emergency call buttons and better lighting, said GCRTA Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joe Calabrese in a press release.

The upgrade also will incorporate new ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Construction is slated to wrap up in May 2019.

Shirmir Construction has installed a temporary access way so riders can use the station during construction. Panzica Construction Co. is the general contractor, while City Architecture is providing the design.

The East 116th Station opened in 1920, when service began from Shaker Square to East 34th Street and downtown Cleveland. The stop was renovated in 1981.