PITTSBURGH — UPDATE: 11 P.M. MONDAY -
The alternate T route through Allentwon is expected to run as the main service line for at least the next 24-36 hours. Port Authority officials said they expect it will add about 20 minutes to the ride for most commuters.
UPDATE 2:15 P.M. MONDAY -
The Port Authority has reopened the light rail tracks that run through the city's Allentown neighborhood.
The lines were closed around 7 a.m. when a safety mechanism was triggered while crews tried to move some of the freight cars.
There is currently no timetable for when Port Authority will be able to provide service to Station Square. Only when Norfolk Southern has cleared the freight cars can Port Authority engineers begin to assess the damage.
The Allentown tracks are being used to bypass Station Square.
UPDATE 7:56 A.M. MONDAY: All Port Authority rail service has been suspended at South Hills Junction due to issues with the safe removal of freight cars at Station Square, according to the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Riders heading inbound can board shuttle buses from South Hills Junction to First Avenue Station, the Port Authority said. Rail cars are serving the downtown business district from First Avenue Station to Allegheny Station on the North Shore.
For riders heading outbound, shuttle buses are being used from First Avenue to South Hills Junction, the Port Authority said. Blue and Red line light rail vehicles will take riders to the end of those respective rail lines.
ORIGINAL STORY: Closures in and around the city are going to cause headaches for commuters -- at least into the early part of this week -- after a train derailed near Station Square.
Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety officials said West Carson Street will remain closed for the duration of the removal operations and the Smithfield Street Bridge will remain closed through the morning rush hour.
The 10th Street Bridge outbound lane is also closed.
“Coming into the city, you’ll have to come in through 10th street, the Birmingham Bridge or the Liberty Bridge. The other thing is coming down Arlington Avenue, you can’t go beyond McCardle Roadway,” said Pittsburgh Chief Operations Officer Guy Costa.
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Officials urge people to avoid the area while crews work.
The Port Authority released an update on T and bus service for Monday's morning commute.
All inbound rail vehicles will serve South Hills Junction, use the tracks that run through the city’s Allentown neighborhood, cross the Monongahela River and serve all Downtown light rail stations.
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A bus shuttle will serve South Hills Junction, the upper station of the Monongahela Incline and the upper station of the Duquesne Incline.
Buses that use Carson Street near Station Square or the Smithfield Street Bridge will be detoured
You can find a list of bus detours on the Port Authority website.
Officials say to allow for extra travel time because significant delays are expected.
Lyft announced they will be offering discounts for commuters between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday morning.
The company is providing a 50% discount. Commuters can use the code "412COMMUTE."
There is no timetable as to how long it could be until rail service is fully restored.