Rehabilitation Project to Disrupt Lower Roadway at CLE

April 25, 2025

Press Releases

Starting on April 28th, 2025, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is starting a Terminal Tunnel Membrane Project, a substantial infrastructure endeavor to waterproof and rehabilitate the pedestrian connecting tunnel on the RTA Level.

During the project, two of the four lanes of traffic on the Lower Roadway will be closed.  Customers are asked to meet their arriving groups at doors 5 through 7, or on the departure level. We also advise passengers to use the skywalk to get between the parking garage and the terminal. Vehicles using the lower road might expect delays and traffic congestion.

The project entails completing repairs and updating the structural design from the late 1960s, which includes the following main components:

  • Waterproofing and Rehabilitation: The consultant will supervise the waterproofing of the tunnel membrane, as well as the rehabilitation of the walls and ceilings of the 2,100-foot-long tunnel, which connects the terminal to parking facilities and the tramway leading to the RTA public rail line terminus.
  • Structural Repairs: The tunnel, constructed with structural steel framing and reinforced concrete, will undergo extensive structural repairs, including the restoration of wall surfaces and the installation of a new drainage system.
  • Concrete Wall Repairs: The connector/collector concrete wall will be repaired, and plumbing modifications will be made within the mechanical room.
  • Electrical Relocation: Electrical services will be relocated from the wall repair area to Electrical Vault EV-6, including necessary wall penetrations, conduits, cabling, and panels.

The project will be executed in four phases:

  • Phase 1: Rehabilitation of the west side of the tunnel
  • Phase 2: Repair of the south half of the remaining tunnel area
  • Phase 3: Completion of the remaining tunnel area
  • Phase 4: Installation of new roadway surface course

RS&H, an experienced consulting organization, will supervise the project and provide comprehensive construction, inspection, and administrative services of the construction by SMCI throughout the project, which is expected to take 8 months to complete.

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