Pittsburgh Regional Transit to Close the Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel for Major Repairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 10, 2025) - Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will temporarily close the Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel for approximately eight months, starting February 23, 2025, to perform critical infrastructure upgrades.
What’s Happening?
Crews will replace the tracks, restore the roadway inside the tunnel, and repair the overhead electric lines that power light-rail vehicles. The project is expected to take about eight months. The tunnel will reopen as soon as the work is complete, and the tracks pass inspection.
The Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel serves as a key connection between South Hills Junction and Station Square Station. It’s the only tunnel in the country shared by buses and light-rail vehicles.
Changes to Rail Service
· Red and Blue Lines (Weekdays): Trains will detour through Allentown via Warrington and Arlington avenues. A temporary stop will be available on Warrington Avenue at Allen Street.
· Silver Line (Weekdays): Service will operate only between Library Station and Washington Junction to reduce congestion in Allentown. Riders can transfer to Red and Blue Line trains at Washington Junction.
· Weekend Rail Service: The Red, Blue, and Silver Lines will all operate via Allentown on weekends.
· Temporary “Subway Local” Service: A special rail route will operate between Station Square Station and Allegheny Station for the duration of the closure.
· Free Fare Zone Expansion: Station Square Station will be included in the Free Fare Zone from February 23 until the project is completed.
Changes to Bus Service
Some bus routes will also be temporarily detoured:
- Most affected routes will travel inbound via Warrington and Arlington avenues and outbound via the Wabash Tunnel.
- Some routes will have different adjustments. Riders should check www.rideprt.org/mtwashrailreplace for specific details.
Why This Matters
This closure is part of PRT’s multi-year, $150 million investment in improving the region’s light-rail infrastructure. Following the Red Line rail replacement project last summer, this next phase will ensure long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of the system.
Future improvements include:
- Track replacement in the Mt. Lebanon Tunnel
2. Reconstruction of Belasco Station in Beechview
3. Upgrades to Station Square and Dormont Junction light-rail stations
4. Rehabilitation of the Panhandle Bridge, which carries light rail over the Monongahela River
Stay Informed
For updates or questions, riders can call PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000, post via X @PghtTransitCare or chat with a Customer Service representative at www.rideprt.org.
