Lee–Van Aken station

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.

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
Coordinates 41°27′59″N 81°33′55″W
Owned byGreater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Line(s)Van Aken Boulevard
Platforms2 side platforms
Tracks2
ConnectionsBus transport RTA: 14, 14A, 40[1]
Construction
Structure typeBelow-grade
Bicycle facilitiesRacks[2]
AccessibleHandicapped/disabled access Yes[2]
Other information
Websiteriderta.com/facilities/leevanaken
History
OpenedApril 11, 1920 (1920-04-11)
Rebuilt1981, 2015
Original companyCleveland Railway
Services
Preceding station Rapid Transit Following station
Ashby
toward Tower City
 Blue Line Avalon
toward Warrensville–Van Aken

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.[3]: 22  The underpass at Lee Road was dictated by an existing creekbed at the site.[3]: 20  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.[3]: 111 

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.[4][5]

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.

G Street level Exit/entrance, buses
P
Platform layout		 Side platform Handicapped/disabled access, doors open on the right
Westbound ←      Blue Line toward Tower City (Ashby)
Eastbound →      Blue Line toward Warrensville–Van Aken (Avalon) →
Side platform Handicapped/disabled access, doors open on the right
  • 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.

Media related to Lee–Van Aken station at Wikimedia Commons

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