Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has announced plans to temporarily close the Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel for about eight months for essential upgrades.
Under the infrastructure repairs plans, starting on 23 February, crews will replace the tracks, repair the tunnel’s roadway, and fix the overhead electric lines powering light-rail vehicles.
The Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel is for buses and light rail trains under Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US.
It plays a key role in connecting South Hills Junction and Station Square Station and is said to be the only US tunnel shared by buses and light rail.
It also serves all currently operating lines of the Pittsburgh Light Rail system, including the Red, Blue, and Silver Lines, as well as the Subway Local shuttle service.
As of November 2024, the tunnel is also utilised by 15 bus routes, with 10 operated by PRT and 5 by other carriers.
The tunnel will reopen once the work is completed and the tracks pass inspection.
In 2022, Mt. Washington Tunnel underwent a $14.1m electrical system upgrade.
During the Mt. Washington Tunnel closure, there will be several changes to rail service.
The Red and Blue Lines will detour through Allentown on weekdays via Warrington and Arlington Avenues, with a temporary stop on Warrington Avenue at Allen Street.
The Silver Line will only operate between Library Station and Washington Junction on weekdays to help reduce congestion in Allentown. Riders can transfer to Red and Blue Line trains at Washington Junction.
On weekends, the Red, Blue, and Silver Lines will all operate through Allentown.
Additionally, a special Subway Local service will run between Station Square and Allegheny Station for the duration of the closure.
Station Square will also be included in the Free Fare Zone from 23 February until the completion of the work.
The closure is a key part of PRT’s multi-year, $150m investment to improve the region’s light-rail infrastructure.
Following last summer’s Red Line rail replacement project, this next phase aims to ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of the system.
Future improvements consist of track replacement in the Mt. Lebanon Tunnel, the reconstruction of Belasco Station in Beechview, upgrades to Station Square and Dormont Junction light-rail stations, and the rehabilitation of the Panhandle Bridge, which carries light rail over the Monongahela River.
