PRT Invests Over $150MM in Light-Rail Infrastructure

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

PITTSBURGH – Combining multiple rehabilitation projects, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will rehabilitate its light-rail system through 2028.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit will invest over $150 million in a light-rail infrastructure rehabilitation project. According to a report from CBS News, PRT will combine several separate projects in order to “streamline operations and minimize disruptions.”

The first project will close the system between Steel Plaza and Gateway stations in Downtown Pittsburgh after April 5^th for seven weeks. The projects will continue through 2028. While most projects are already fully funded, PRT will seek funding for those projects that are not fully funded.

PRT says from April 5^th to May 30^th, it will “expand the repairs and replacement of the plinth, the concrete beam upon which the light rail tracks sit in the downtown subway tunnels, to seven-days a week. This work has been occurring on-and-off on weekends only since late 2022.

From June 16^th until the end of August, Red Line trains will “be detoured around Dormont and Beechview using the Blue Line’s route,” and Red Line service will not be available between South Hills Junction and Overbrook Junction. 

Additionally in 2026, the Panhandle Bridge that connects Station Square to First Avenue station will also be rehabilitated. PRT expects this project to take 2 ½ years to fully complete. There is no established information on detours or closures for that project as of reporting.

According to a report from WPXI, other projected work includes repairing concrete rail foundations in the downtown subway tunnels and “replacing more than 10,000 feet of light-rail track and four grade crossings in Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Beechview, and inside the Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Washington Transit Tunnels.” 

PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman said the “projects are an important investment in our region’s future. . . By fortifying our light-rail system, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more reliable foundation for years to come.”

More information on each project can be found in the PDF below: