Misplaced Pages

Lee–Van Aken station

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
(Redirected from Lee - Van Aken (RTA Rapid Transit station))

Rapid transit station in Cleveland
Lee–Van Aken
The entrance to Lee–Van Aken station as seen from Lee Road in July 2021
General information
Location3402 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Coordinates41°27′59″N 81°33′55″W / 41.46639°N 81.56528°W / 41.46639; -81.56528
Owned byCity of Shaker Heights
Operated byGreater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Line(s)Van Aken Boulevard
Platforms2 side platforms
Tracks2
ConnectionsBus transport RTA: 14, 14A, 40
Construction
Structure typeBelow-grade
Bicycle facilitiesRacks
AccessibleHandicapped/disabled access Yes
Other information
Websiteriderta.com/facilities/leevanaken
History
OpenedApril 11, 1920; 104 years ago (1920-04-11)
Rebuilt1981, 2015
Original companyCleveland Railway
Services
Preceding station Rapid Transit Following station
Ashbytoward Tower City Blue Line Avalontoward Warrensville–Van Aken
Location

Lee–Van Aken station is a station on the RTA Blue Line in Shaker Heights, Ohio, located in the median of Van Aken Boulevard at its intersection with Lee Road, after which the station is named.

History

The station opened on April 11, 1920, with the initiation of rail service by the Cleveland Interurban Railroad on what is now Van Aken Boulevard from Lynnfield Road to Shaker Square and then to East 34th Street and via surface streets to downtown. The underpass at Lee Road was dictated by an existing creekbed at the site. It is the only grade separation on the Van Aken line.

In 1980 and 1981, the Green and Blue Lines were completely renovated with new track, ballast, poles and wiring, and new stations were built along the line. The renovated line along Van Aken Boulevard opened on October 30, 1981.

In March 2008, architects were selected to design a new station to replace the existing structure. The new station would be accessible passengers with disabilities includes elevators, a larger pedestrian/bus interface point and enhanced safety and security systems. Public art titled "Railway Dream" by American Sculptor Rachel Slick was commissioned for street level entries and East and West bound platforms. Construction began on June 25, 2014, and the rebuilt station opened in December 2015.

Station layout

Unlike most other stations served exclusively by the Blue Line, this station is located in a cut within the median of Van Aken Boulevard just west of the Lee Road overpass. Concrete stairways with canopies and elevators lead from Lee Road down to two side platforms. Each platform has mini-high platforms which allow passengers with disabilities to access trains.

Gallery

  • Tracks from below-grade station Tracks from below-grade station
  • Station platforms Station platforms
  • Eastbound station entrance featuring panels of public art collection "Railway Dream" bu Rachel Slick Eastbound station entrance featuring panels of public art collection "Railway Dream" bu Rachel Slick
  • Station signs Station signs
  • Station arch Station arch
  • Lee station in 2007 Lee station in 2007

Notable places nearby

References

  1. "Blue Line Green Line Schedule" (PDF). Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. March 20, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "Lee – Van Aken Rapid Station". Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Toman, James (1990). The Shaker Heights Rapid Transit. Glendale, Calif.: Interurban Press. ISBN 0-916374-95-5.
  4. "RTA dedicates new Lee-Van Aken Station on the Blue Line". December 18, 2015.
  5. "Lee–Van Aken Rapid Station". Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. April 14, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2015.

External links

Media related to Lee–Van Aken station at Wikimedia Commons

RTA Rapid Transit stations
Blue Line
Categories: