This audio is automatically generated. Please let us know if you have any comments.
Dive brief:
- $150 million from Pittsburgh light rail improvement project will begin next month with the goal of improving reliability and safety on the critical transit corridor, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced March 19. Work is expected to begin in April and be completed in 2028.
- In an effort to streamline operations and minimize disruptions, the agency said it is combining several Pittsburgh light rail projects it originally intended to pursue separately. These include concrete repair, track replacement and rehabilitation of a bridge and several stations.
- Many of the projects are fully funded, according to Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and it will continue to seek funding for those that are not. The first project, between Steel Plaza and Gateway stations, will begin in downtown Pittsburgh in April and is expected to last about seven weeks. The projects will be completed consecutively until 2028.
Diving knowledge:
Pittsburgh’s 26-mile light rail system, commonly known as “The T,” runs from the North Shore, through downtown, and into the South Hills neighborhoods. The rehabilitation effort includes:
- Expanding an ongoing effort to repair the concrete rail foundations in the downtown subway tunnels.
- Replacement of over 10,000 feet of track and four level crossings at Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Beechview and inside the tunnels Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Washington.
- Belasco station reconstruction.
- Station Square and Dormont Junction light rail stations are being upgraded.
- The Panhandle Bridge, the 1.2-mile span that carries light rail cars over the Monongahela River near Station Square, is being rehabilitated.
The agency did not specify the names of any contracting teams in its statement and did not immediately respond to Construction Dive’s inquiries about who is doing the work.
“These projects are an important investment in the future of our region,” said Katharine Kelleman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit. “By strengthening our light rail system, we are building a stronger, safer and more reliable foundation for years to come.”
According to Pittsburgh Regional Transit, full project timelines and service information, including detours, will be announced as additional project milestones approach.
