Two Projects Starting Next Week To Impact Light-Rail Service
Two Pittsburgh Regional Transit projects starting next week will impact light-rail service:
RAIL GRINDING
Sparks will be flying once again, beginning Wednesday, January 14, with the second year of PRT’s multi-year rail grinding program across the light-rail system.
This year’s work will focus on the Red Line between Overbrook Junction and Allegheny Station. While crews are on site, rail cars will single-track through the work zones. Riders should look for station signage indicating when a platform is temporarily out of service and board all inbound and outbound rail cars from the opposite side.
The three-year, $1.5 million project began in 2025 and takes place each year from January through March. The work is being performed by RailWorks.
Grinding will take place Wednesdays through Sundays, with most of the work occurring overnight (9 p.m. to 4 a.m.). However, grinding for the first section – from Overbrook Junction to Mt. Lebanon Station – will be performed during daylight hours (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
This project will also be coordinated with the weekend closures of the downtown subway tunnel to combine efforts in the area and reduce the impact on riders.
Rail grinding is a vital part of keeping the system in top shape. A specialized machine uses friction from grinding stones to smooth and restore the railhead, remove defects, and bring the rail back to a precise standard. Rail grinding not only extends rail life but also reduces wear on the rail car wheels, maximizes efficiency, and improves the ride quality. Watch Jordan Loya, an engineer at PRT and the rail grinding project manager, explain more about rail grinding.
And yes - while the grinder is at work, you may see sparks fly. That’s normal, and contractors have extensive safety measures in place to ensure a safe and controlled operation.
More information is available at rideprt.org/railgrinding.
DOWNTOWN TUNNEL CLOSURES
Light-rail service in downtown Pittsburgh will be suspended for eight consecutive weekends tentatively scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16, for electrical maintenance.
Work will begin each Friday at 8 p.m. and continue until the start of service each Monday until March 9. The schedule is dependent on special events, including potential playoff games at Acrisure Stadium.
Steel Plaza and Wood Street stations will be closed each weekend and will reopen at the start of service each Monday.
During the work, inbound rail service will end at First Avenue Station. Riders traveling farther inbound should exit at First Avenue Station and board a shuttle bus that will serve Steel Plaza, Wood Street, and Gateway stations. From Gateway, riders can board rail cars to North Side and Allegheny stations.
From the North Shore, rail service will end at Gateway Station. Riders should exit the rail car at Gateway Station and board a shuttle bus that will serve Wood Street, Steel Plaza, and First Avenue stations. Riders continuing to the South Hills should then proceed to the First Avenue Station platform to board outbound rail cars.
Riders should allow for at least 20 minutes of additional travel time.
Visit www.rideprt.org/cbdclosure for more information.
For questions or assistance, riders are encouraged to call PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or reach out via Twitter @PghTransitCare or live chat at www.ridePRT.org.
