Transit users can expect to face some challenges this weekend and should allow more time to get to their destination.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers out of town and no other major events scheduled, Pittsburgh Regional Transit has planned some disruptive work this weekend, and other disruptions will occur with continuing projects or inspection work.
Travelers inbound on the light rail system into Downtown Pittsburgh will face delays of 15 to 20 minutes if they want to go beyond Steel Plaza from 8 p.m. Friday until the start of service on Monday. That’s because trains will stop at Penn Station so crews can continue repairs on concrete track supports between Steel Plaza and Gateway Station.
The agency will operate shuttle buses between Penn and Gateway stations, and riders who want to go to the North Shore can reboard at Gateway. Riders from the North Shore who want to continue past Gateway can board a shuttle to Penn Station and get back on the train there.
Additionally, the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel will be closed from the start of service Saturday to the start of Monday service while Duquesne Light crews inspect a conduit inside the tunnel. PRT says buses and light rail trains that use the tunnel will be diverted via Allentown, which could add another 30 to 45 minutes to the normal trip.
If that’s not enough, the Monongahela Incline is expected to be closed until Wednesday after one of the doors on a car fell out of place. The agency will run shuttle buses between Mount Washington and Station Square when it has extra drivers available.
And the Wood Street light rail station will remain closed until Monday while a contractor removes the existing escalators. The station will reopen for riders who can use the stairs or elevator while work continues to replace the escalators, which should be finished by February.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.