Digging To Resume On North Shore Connector

The Port Authority of Allegheny County said it resumed tunnel boring work under the Allegheny River last week and plans to have the second of two light-rail tunnels completed by year's end.

The tunnels are part of a $435 million plan to expand Pittsburgh's light-rail service. They will connect the downtown area to the city’s North Shore.

The 500-ton boring machine completed the first tunnel in July after six months of digging. Port Authority spokesman David Whipkey said the second tunnel should be completed by the end of the year.

Officials anticipate that the 1.2 mile connector will be open by 2011.

Previous Stories: July 10, 2008: North Shore Connector Project Breaks Through July 9, 2008: Port Authority Hoping To Get Grant Money For North Shore Connector June 30, 2008: Stanwix Street To Close Again For North Shore Connector Project