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
Location	3402 Lee Road Shaker Heights, Ohio
Coordinates	41°27′59″N 81°33′55″W
Owned by	City of Shaker Heights
Operated by	Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Line(s)	Van Aken Boulevard
Platforms	2 side platforms
Tracks	2
Connections	RTA: 14, 14A, 40[1]
Construction
Structure type	Below-grade
Bicycle facilities	Racks[2]
Accessible	Yes[2]
Other information
Website	riderta.com/facilities/leevanaken
History
Opened	April 11, 1920; 104 years ago (1920-04-11)
Rebuilt	1981, 2015
Original company	Cleveland Railway
Services
Preceding station Rapid Transit Following station Ashby toward Tower City Blue Line Avalon toward Warrensville–Van Aken
Location

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.

Gallery

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

Notable places nearby

• Shaker Heights Public Library

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

• Lee – Van Aken Rapid Station (GCRTA)