Downed Steel Bar Closes Steel Plaza Subway Station
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Steel Plaza subway station was closed for several hours Friday after a steel support bar fell down in the T tracks.
Around 7 a.m., the station started filling with smoke after the bar fell down on the rails, causing sparks.
Officials say the steel bar came loose from the parking garage above the tunnel and also knocked out the power, causing major service disruptions between First Avenue and Wood Street.
"There's fire trucks outside of Steel Plaza and then I heard that the station was closed," said Nathan Brentzel of Castle Shannon. "So I walked down here. I'm gonna get on the T here."
It was a stressful morning for many commuters because of the disruptions, which made many late to work.
"It has been, because of the frustration of not knowing where to catch the shuttle and where they were taking us," said Maria Andrews of Mt. Lebanon.
The Port Authority did bring in buses to shuttle commuters to the next available stop -- others downtown decided to walk to their destinations.
"I'm hoofing it to Fifth Avenue Place," said one person.
After 2 p.m., Port Authority officials said that light rail service in both directions had been restored completely.
The Port Authority says it is working with the city inspector to gauge the safety of the tunnel and structure above.
Stay with KDKA for more information.
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