PITTSBURGH -- A $523 million light-rail tunnel under the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh is set to open as scheduled Sunday.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County's 1.2-mile light rail extension stops near PNC Park, Heinz Field and the Rivers Casino. The light-rail system serves downtown and primarily the city's South Hills suburbs.
A test train took less than two minutes to make the trip from downtown to the station nearest PNC Park. Each train holds roughly 350 commuters.
The Steelers, the casino, Alco Parking -- which runs several commuter lots near the stadiums -- and the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority are paying for passengers to use the extension for free for three years.
They're hoping that will encourage commuters to use North Side parking lots and others to use the trains to attend ball games and other events.
From the North Side station, riders can access the Andy Warhol Museum, the Children’s Museum, the National Aviary and PNC Park.
The Allegheny station will be used for riders trying to access the Carnegie Science Center, Heinz Field, Highmark Sportsworks, the Rivers Casino and Stage AE.
Port Authority worker Sasha Craig talked to Channel 11 News about the first time he saw the view as the train emerged from underground.
“It's amazing,” said Craig. “You know, it's kind of like coming out of Fort Pitt Tunnel. You know you're in Pittsburgh. This is like that. You come onto the North Shore, especially on game day. You know you're ready for the Steelers to take on somebody.”
The Port Authority is confident Steelers fans will take advantage of the connector for games, but they're hopeful the connector will be popular with commuters Monday through Friday as well.
WPXI