Pittsburgh Regional Transit Begins Preparing Panhandle Bridge for Rehabilitation

August 20, 2026

PITTSBURGH – Crews have begun preparing the Panhandle Bridge for a long-term rehabilitation project, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced today.

The bridge, which carries light rail over the Monongahela River between Station Square and First Avenue stations, will undergo major rehabilitation beginning in 2027. 

Crews are currently installing containment around the bridge in preparation for painting, electrical, and concrete substructure work. This initial work will not affect light rail service. 

The bulk of the rehabilitation work is expected to begin in Spring 2027 when rail service will be single tracked between South Hills Junction and First Avenue stations. Weekend closures of the bridge – and bus and rail detours – are also expected. PRT will announce specific detours when the construction schedule is finalized. 

PRT’s board awarded the $58 million rehabilitation project to Mosites Construction Company in March 2026. 

The rehabilitation will include steel and concrete repairs, new lighting for both service and decorative purposes, replacement of rail and power lines, and painting. 

Work is expected to take 32 months to complete. 

Built in 1902 to carry heavy rail traffic across the Monongahela River, the Panhandle Bridge was acquired by PRT in the 1980s and converted for light rail use in 1984.

The rehabilitation and restoration project is intended to extend the bridge’s useful life and help ensure that PRT can continue providing safe, reliable light rail service to Downtown for future generations.

For more information, you can visit https://engage.rideprt.org/panhandle-bridge-rehabilitation 

Riders with questions are encouraged to contact Customer Service by calling 412-442-2000, on X @PghTransitCare or via live chat at www.ridePRT.org.

###