North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

After years of planning and construction, the North Shore Connector finally opened to the public on March 25, 2012.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The mural was restored to the wall of the new Gateway ‘T’ Station.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The project is expected to come in at about $517 million or about $6 million under the current $523 million budget.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Port Authority Rail Operations Director Winston Simmonds told KDKA's John Shumway the operation of the North Shore Connector is going to substantially change parking in Pittsburgh.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Daily commuters will have the option of $6 and $7 parking on the North Shore and a free ride on the ‘T’ into downtown.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Enjoying the ride from Downtown Pittsburgh to the North Shore!

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The Connector is actually an extension of the existing T system past Gateway Center to the Allegheny Station between Heinz Field and the Rivers Casino.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

There are three new stops on the route...

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The Gateway Station downtown, the North Side Station that drops you off right next to PNC Park, and the Allegheny Station, which is located between Heinz Field and the Rivers Casino.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The T comes out at Heinz Field...

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

to a stop near the Carnegie Science Center.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The Allegheny Station is elevated above Allegheny Avenue on the North Side.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Rail operations will be free for the next three years from the Allegheny Station to the First Avenue Station due to underwriting by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rivers Casino.

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Leaving Gateway Center, you will be riding downward...

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

under the Allegheny River with a depth of 30 feet of dirt above the foot thick concrete of the tunnel...

North Shore Connector Opens

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

and 26 feet of river water on top of that.