The reopening of the Monongahela Incline, Pittsburgh's history funicular, has been delayed due to supply chain and material delivery issues, according to Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT).
The incline was originally expected to reopen in time for Light Up Night on Saturday. It is now expected to reopen before the end of the year. An exact date has not been set.
“We had been hopeful that we would open in time for Light Up Night, but over the last week it became increasingly clear that would not be possible,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “No one is more disappointed in this news than me.”
The Monongahela Incline has been closed since August 1 while contractors upgraded and modernized the control and electrical systems, refurbished the interiors of both the upper and lower stations, put on a new roof to the lower station, and have installed new color-changing LED track lighting.
“The team has been working around the clock to finish this project, yet there have been aspects that are simply out of our control, including the global supply chain and material delivery issues that have plagued so many capital projects throughout the country,” Kelleman said. “The Mon Incline is an iconic piece of Pittsburgh history, but it’s also a historic transit vehicle that requires regular maintenance and upgrades. Completing this project is vital to its future operation.”
Due to the expected increased demand for Light Up Night, PRT will have additional shuttle buses operating between the lower station and the upper station of the Monongahela Incline. Additional service will depend on operator availability.
