About the Project

Work on the Panhandle Bridge includes:

  • Steel and Concrete Rehabilitation
  • New Lighting for Navigation
  • New Service Walkway Lighting
  • New Dynamic Decorative Lighting
  • Bridge Steel Painting
  • Stone Masonry Pier Rehabilitation
  • Rail and Overhead Catenary Replacement
  • Temporary Traffic Control

Work is anticipated to take 32 months and cost $58 million.

Updates

August 2026: Crews are currently installing containment around the bridge in preparation for painting, electrical, and concrete substructure work which will occur in 2026. This initial work will not affect light rail service. The bulk of the rehabilitation work is expected to begin in Spring 2027.



Project Location

​Project Map

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

This rehabilitation and restoration project is intended to further extend Panhandle's lifespan, ensuring the light rail system provides safe, reliable transit service to Downtown for future generations.

PRT is engaging with the following partners during design and construction:

  • City of Pittsburgh
  • PennDOT
  • Norfolk Southern Railroad
  • CSX Railroad
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • U.S. Coast Guard

Anticipated Construction Value: $58M

Impacts are anticipated to begin in Spring of 2027:
  • Single-track light rail service between Station Square and First Avenue Stations, with various bus and potential rail detours
  • Periodic Weekend Closures with bus shuttle service


For detour and delay information: https://www.rideprt.org/Detours/

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    January 2019 - March 2021

    Alternatives Analysis

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    April 2021 - August 2025

    Design phase

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Spring 2026

    Notice to Proceed Issued

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    September 2026 - December 2026

    Construction Prep

    • Crews began prepping for construction
    • Minor activities have begun

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    January – December 2027

    Construction Phase 1

    • Work will be conducted on the outbound trackway and portion of the bridge structure

    Light rail traffic will be reduced to travel in one-direction at a time.

    See "Anticipated Service Impacts" for more information

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    January – December 2028

    Construction Phase 2

    • Work will be conducted on the inbound trackway and portion of the bridge structure
    • Overhead Catenary System replacement on both inbound and outbound trackway

    Light rail traffic will be reduced to travel in one-direction at a time.

    See "Anticipated Service Impacts" for more information

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Early 2029

    Construction will be substantially complete