Tunnel track work set to begin in downtown Pittsburgh

Tunnel work is set to begin in downtown Pittsburgh.

Light-rail improvement work is coming to downtown Pittsburgh. The Port Authority is ready to begin two projects worth $30 million.

One of the projects calls for the rehabilitation of concrete plinths for the track in the tunnel in downtown Pittsburgh. The plinths have not been touched since they were first installed during original construction in the 1980s. Deteriorating concrete can be seen throughout the tunnel.

Golden Triangle Construction Co. Inc. will execute the work between the First Avenue and Gateway stations. The project is expected to last more than 2.5 years and will be divided up into six phases. There will be some full weekend closures of the tunnel.

A $10.8 million contract will upgrade 18 high platform stations on the Red, Blue, and Silver lines in the South Hills. Concrete and masonry will be repaired, handicap accessibility will be improved, LED light poles will be installed, and other work will be performed.

P.J. Dick and Merit Electrical Group Inc. will perform the work over the next two years.

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