Port Authority will reopen the Monongahela Incline on Wednesday morning, days ahead of its goal to have the landmark attraction operational by Light Up Night on Friday.
The 635-foot incline has been closed for renovations since Sept. 8.
“This is great news for the Mt. Washington community,” said State Senator Wayne D. Fontana. “I commend the Port Authority for its cooperative spirit both before and during this project, and congratulate them on setting and meeting such an aggressive schedule to have the work done before Light Up Night.”
The authority and its contractors spent the last 10 weeks rehabbing and refurbishing the cars, rails and control system. It was just the fifth major renovation since the incline opened in 1870.
Opening a few days before the annual holiday celebration will allow for continued performance testing leading up to Friday.
“I’m thrilled with this announcement. We’re grateful for the patience and cooperation of Mt. Washington residents and business owners during the incline’s restoration, as we would not have been able to have this completed without their buy in,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The Mon Incline not only provides tourists with easy access to the hilltop business district and sweeping views of Pittsburgh, but it also gives residents fast and reliable transportation to the South Side and downtown.”
Port Authority delayed the project until after Labor Day to honor a request from Mt. Washington business owners and residents since the traditional end-of-summer holiday is a boon for local businesses.
“What would Light Up Night be without the ability to ride the incline and enjoy that sensational view from Grandview Avenue in Mt. Washington?” said Port Authority CEO Ellen McLean. “The Mon Incline improvements were much-needed and we’re very pleased to have worked with our elected leaders to coordinate a construction schedule that had less impact on the local business community.”
The Mon Incline is the oldest continually operating funicular railway in the country and sees more than 1,500 riders on weekdays, with nearly twice that amount on weekends. The incline operates 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:45 a.m. to midnight on Sundays and holidays.
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