Train derailment slows commute via Pittsburgh's rails, roads: 5 things to know Tuesday

Light-rail service resumed in Pittsburgh Monday following Sunday afternoon’s freight train derailment in Station Square, but commuters still should plan on significant delays throughout the week, officials said.

As crews work to inspect the damage and clear the wreckage, daily commutes via not only the “T“ to but also cars and buses traveling between Pittsburgh and its South Hills will experience delays and detours.

“We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience,” Port Authority of Allegheny County spokesman Adam Brandolph said.

Here are five things to know for Tuesday:

1). Taking the next earliest train won’t be prudent enough. Riders who depend on Port Authority’s light-rail “T” system to get to work should plan to depart for their destination at least 30 minutes earlier than usual, Brandolph said. Shuttle buses will continue to take riders from the South Side Junction station into Pittsburgh. However, riders can instead take a newly re-energized T route, formerly called the Brown Line, which travels through Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood and takes about 15 to 20 minutes longer than the out-of-service Station Square route. Fare charges will resume as usual Tuesday following free rides offered on Monday.

2). Buses will be delayed, too. The bus expressway near the derailment wreckage has been shut down indefinitely, and several bus routes have been detoured. All bus detours are posted on Port Authority’s website.

3). Motorists in cars should avoid traveling through or near Pittsburgh’s South Side. The Smithfield Street Bridge linking Downtown to Station Square remains closed, as does a stretch of Carson Street. The Wabash Tunnel is closed.

4). The Mon Incline remains out of service amid the cleanup. Riders can take a shuttle bus to get from the upper stations of the Mon and Duquesne inclines in Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington hilltop neighborhood down into the South Side and Downtown. Shuttle buses will not be able to pick up riders from the bottom of the inclines.

5). Expect more of the same delays for at least the next three days. Northfolk Southern officials expect it to take at least 72 hours to clean up the wreckage left by the derailment of the train, which weighed more than 4,800 tons and was carrying 57 loaded intermodal train cars filled with household goods.

Once the freight cars are removed, Port Authority officials will inspect and assess the damage, Brandolph said.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

For more information, visit PortAuthority.org or call 412-442-2000

Natasha Lindstrom is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Natasha at 412-380-8514, nlindstrom@tribweb.com or via Twitter @NewsNatasha.