Delays: Track Repairs May Slow Down T Riders

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- One week after the Port Authority reopened the Red Line in Beechview, another project will begin.

This time, the Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel headed inbound will be closed starting Monday morning so the track in the curve going from the tunnel to Station Square can be replaced.

That means the buses and light rail cars that use the inbound tunnel will be detoured over the old Allentown line along Arlington and Warrington Avenues. They will also be sharing the road with everyday traffic. Outbound traffic won't be affected.

"Oh, wow that's crazy. I don't know how the cars are gonna get up through here," T user Chris said.

Christine D'Antonio's Report:

"I'll just make sure I stay home," driver Shaquanna Timmons said.

The Port Authority is trying to make the changes go as smoothly as they can.

"Port Authority Police are going to be at all intersections. At least at some intersections directing traffic trying to keep things moving," Port Authority Spokesman Adam Brandolph said.

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The tracks are 20 years old and need to be replaced. Shuttle cars will take commuters from Station Square to Downtown, so plan on giving yourself some extra time in the morning.

"During rush hour, it's going to probably be closer to 20-minute delays," Brandolph said.

Commuters aren't too happy about that.

"Because we have to leave early... Ahhhh," one commuter said.

Timmons, who drives this route frequently, is taking it in stride.

"Because it's a basic route, everybody is pretty much familiar with this area. I doubt it. Hopefully, people will be mindful of where they're at," Timmons said.

Others aren't so sure.

"There could be accidents and people not paying attention. Texting on phone and train come flying past them," Chris said.

The Port Authority says this project could take up to 20 days to complete. This is the last big rail project for this year.