Infrastructure Improvements Planned for Superior Avenue Railroad Bridge
The Norfolk Southern Corporation is preparing to lead a major infrastructure project to replace the Superior Avenue Railroad Bridge and its associated tracks. Under emergency ordinance 770-2026, the City of Cleveland has given consent for the company to perform these improvements, which include replacing and repositioning support columns under the bridge between E. 38th Street and E. 39th Street.
What's in the file
The legislation authorizes the Norfolk Southern Corporation to proceed with the following improvements at no cost to the City:
- Replacement of the Superior Avenue Railroad Bridge and the railroad track.
- Replacement and repositioning of support columns under the bridge.
- Removal of all existing steel columns currently within the street right-of-way.
- Installation of new steel columns positioned outside the street lines, including an additional column at the centerline of Superior Avenue.
According to the Revised Legislative Summary, Norfolk Southern will manage the project by preparing construction plans and specifications, overseeing the sale, awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, and providing construction supervision. The presentation documents include technical plans showing the addition of a new cross girder, underdrains, and micropiles, as well as the relocation of water mains and streetcar tracks.
| Project Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Construction Start | September 2026 |
| Construction End | September/October 2027 |
| Cost to City | No cost to the City |
Who may be affected
- Ward 8: The project is located within this ward, represented by Councilmember Stephanie Howse-Jones.
- Director of Capital Projects: Authorized to enter into agreements relative to these improvements.
- Norfolk Southern Corporation: Responsible for all project costs, engineering, and construction supervision.
Status and timeline
- July 10, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced.
- August 19, 2026: The ordinance passed.
Residents can verify all details regarding this project by visiting the official City of Cleveland Legistar portal.
Key facts
- Ward
- Ward 8
- Construction Start
- September 2026
Source record
- File
- 770-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- July 9, 2026
Official documents
- 770-2026-Consent to Norfolk Southern RR to improve bridge over Superior N of Central to E 26
- 770-2026-Revised Legislative Summary-Norfolk Southern Corporation Superior Bridge
- 770-2026-Presentation-PPT NS RR_Superior Ave_
- FINAL VERSION City Record August 28, 2026 Page 15