Mon Incline to remain closed; other rail, bus disruptions planned this weekend, PRT says

PITTSBURGH — It’s a ride to work like no other in the City of Pittsburgh...

“It’s like a 4-minute ride and what I find is the ride up is the best part, because as you crescent over Station Square, you’re seeing the city kind of come into view,” said commuter Rick Weiss.

The Monongahela Incline takes commuters from about 367 feet atop Mount Washington to Station Square. Service on the incline is temporarily closed for maintenance to repair damage to a door on the west car.

Brogan McGown is frustrated with the constant maintenance issues.

“Last year when they announced they are gonna have to close it for four months, I actually thought about moving, because of that, and then it actually closed for eight months,’ said McGowan.

The incline is expected to remain closed until Tuesday and other disruptions are planned for bus and rail service through the weekend, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced.

PRT officials would not comment on camera but advised riders to contact customer service with questions.

“So it’s just disappointing. I see people standing at the bus shuttle that’s inconsistent, said McGowan. “This is inconsistent, and I know it literally causes people to lose their jobs or having to call off work.”

So, what’s normally a 25-minute commute to work...

“It’s gonna be more like 40 or 45,” said Weiss.

The Mon Incline gets about 10,000 riders a week, so when it’s closed for repairs, locals say it affects business and work for so many.

In addition to the incline closure, Wood Street Station will remain closed until Monday for escalator work.

From Friday through the start of service Monday, riders should plan for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel time as crews work on the concrete track supports inside the Central Business District rail tunnels, PRT says.

Riders traveling from the South Hills to Gateway, North Side or Allegheny stations should exit light-rail vehicles at Penn Station and board a free shuttle bus to Gateway Station. Once at Gateway, a rail shuttle will serve North Side and Allegheny stations.

Riders from the North Shore toward downtown can ride light-rail vehicles up to Gateway Station.

Riders continuing toward the South Hills should exit the rail car at Gateway and board a shuttle bus from the temporary stop outside the station. The shuttle bus will drop riders off at Penn Station, where they can board rail cars heading to the South Hills.

From the start of service Saturday through the start of service Monday, riders should plan for an additional 30 to 45 minutes of additional travel time as the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel will be closed to buses and rail cars, and all inbound and outbound bus and rail traffic will be detoured via Allentown.

A rail shuttle will run between the inbound platform of Station Square and Penn Station.

Riders can check PRT’s website for complete detour information, or call 412-442-2000.

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