Monongahela Incline closed until further notice while repairs are underway for ‘several’ issues

PITTSBURGH — The Monongahela Incline is closed until further notice, Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced Wednesday.

In a press release, PRT says the closure is because of “several electrical and mechanical issues” preventing the incline from operating.

PRT shut down the Monongahela Incline around 7 p.m. Tuesday after a malfunction that prevented cars from slowing down and stopping at the upper and lower stations. No one was hurt during the malfunction, and PRT is still evaluating if there was any damage from it.

A review found that “multiple” electrical and mechanical parts failed and required repairs.

PRT doesn’t know how long the incline will be out of service.

Shuttle busses will operate between the upper and lower stations until service is restored.

Michael Caffrey has called Mount Washington home for 20-plus years.

“It’s phenomenal that something is out of service, so often for so many unknown or unrelated reasons,” said Caffrey.

Back in November, the Mon Incline closed after a computer technical issue.

In October, the 150-year-old Mon Incline closed for maintenance to repair damage to a door on the west car.

In August, it closed after two cars got stuck for almost an hour with several passengers inside.

A year earlier, It closed several months in for $8.2 million in renovations then reopened in March 2023.

PRT spokesperson Adam Brandolph released the following statement:

“We had a team of engineers at the incline last night to diagnose the issue and are bringing in a contractor to help determine the best way to complete the repairs.

“At 152 years old, the Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the country. That uniqueness is what brings hundreds of thousands of people from across the world to ride it each year. Unfortunately, that also means repairs are rarely simple. As soon as we have more information to share l, we absolutely will. We ask for patience and understanding until the necessary repairs are complete. Until then, shuttle buses will be operating between the upper and lower stations during regular incline hours.”

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group