The North Shore Connector project will extend Port Authority’s Light Rail Transit System, the T, from the Gateway Subway Station underneath Stanwix Street and the Allegheny River to the North Shore, terminating near the Carnegie Science Center, with two new stations along the route. The North Shore Connector is a significant regional investment that will help revitalize residential areas, business districts, educational institutions, entertainment developments and cultural venues in addition to enhancing development opportunities. Groundbreaking for the North Shore Connector could occur in mid 2006. Click here for more information.

Port Authority and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) recently concluded an effort to identify future public transportation improvements and alternatives needed to enhance mobility in the population-dense eastern corridor between Downtown Pittsburgh and the western corridor of Westmoreland County. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority is also a partner in the $1 million study. The study, which concluded in late 2004, examined and identified several bus rapid transit, light rail transit, commuter rail and other lower cost enhancements. The next phase of the study is currently underway to identify the preferred alternatives in the eastern corridor, which include future T extensions. This study is anticipated to conclude in mid 2006. Click here for more information.

The study has continued efforts begun by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission (now the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission) when it completed the Airport Multi-Modal Corridor Project in 1989, which identified the need for road and public transportation improvements in the airport corridor. Since then, several study efforts have been undertaken to further advance the 1989 study recommendations. Recent public interest in improving transportation connections to the Pittsburgh International Airport have again spurred the need for determining the most appropriate transportation investments in the corridor. As a result, Port Authority and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission co-lead a study effort to investigate and identify potential transportation improvements throughout the airport corridor, which includes proposals for extensions of the light rail system. Click here for additional information.