PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Regional Transit has begun preparatory work on the Panhandle Bridge ahead of a $58 million rehabilitation project.
The Panhandle Bridge carries light rail over the Monongahela River between Station Square and First Avenue stations. Crews are currently installing containment around the structure for painting, electrical and concrete substructure work, which transit officials said will not disrupt light rail service.
The bulk of the rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and is expected to take 32 months to complete.
During major construction, rail service will be single-tracked between South Hills Junction and First Avenue stations. Weekend closures of the bridge, along with bus and rail detours, are also expected.
PRT’s board awarded the construction contract to Mosites Construction Company in March 2026.
The rehabilitation project includes steel and concrete repairs, replacement of rail and power lines, painting and new service and decorative lighting. PRT says the project aims to extend the bridge’s useful life and maintain light rail service to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Originally constructed in 1902 to carry heavy rail traffic across the Monongahela River, the Panhandle Bridge was acquired by PRT in the 1980s. It was converted for light rail use in 1984.
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