Station Square Train Derailment Causing Problems For Commuters

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A train derailment in Station Square is having a big impact on Monday's commute.

Around 1 p.m. on Sunday, seven rail cars on a Norfolk Southern double-stack intermodal train transporting shipping containers derailed.

At least one of the derailed cars tumbled onto the Light Rail tracks near Station Square.

By late Sunday afternoon, rail service was up running from the North Shore to First Avenue Station and from South Hills Junction to South Hills Village on the Red Line and to Lytle Station on the Blue Line.

During the Monday morning commute, all inbound rail vehicles stopped at South Hills Junction. From there, inbound riders boarded a shuttle bus to First Avenue.

Due to safety reasons, all rail cars are stopping at South Hills Junction, where inbound riders can board shuttle buses to First Avenue, and we have rail cars serving First Ave to Allegheny Station

— Port Authority PGH (@PGHtransit) August 6, 2018

There is also a plan in place for the afternoon commute.

As of 2 p.m. officials said the Allentown line was up and running in time for the afternoon commute.

The Port Authority hopes the Allentown line will remain in service for both Tuesday's commute and Tuesday night's Taylor Swift concert on the North Shore.

UPDATE: The @PGHtransit Light Rail will be operational for tomorrow's Taylor Swift #reptourPittsburgh. However, riders will not be able to get on/off at the Station Square exit. Please plan your trip to the North Shore accordingly.

For more info, visit https://t.co/oZLbzqZwRR pic.twitter.com/FZ3EymjQrU

— Heinz Field (@heinzfield) August 6, 2018

Motorists should also expect to see delays.

"There's really no chance of opening Carson or Smithfield streets for at least 48 hours. You have a situation that is still unstable and unsafe and you have to have people working on it in order to be able to rectify it. So, there will be traffic backups. I haven't had a chance yet to talk to talk to Chief Schubert this afternoon if we can have some of the more crowded intersection with officers, we'll probably be doing that," Mayor Bill Peduto said.

RELATED:

• Bus, Light Rail Detours In Effect For Monday Commute After Train Derailment
• Photo Gallery: Freight Train Cars Derail Near Station Square, Crash Onto T Tracks

Crews worked throughout the evening to clear debris. It was initially estimated that it would take 72 hours to remove the cars, but that process is taking slightly longer.

Watch Pam Surano's report --

The cars were transporting consumer goods, including houseware, food and beverages, mouth wash and other common household products. There were no hazardous materials involved.

#Pittsburgh Traffic: @CityPGH's @DowntownPitt. The Smithfield Street Bridge, Wabash Tunnel, & Monongahela Incline are closed this morning. West Carson Street from the bridge to Arlington Avenue is closed. Please plan ahead and expect delays throughout the South Side in response. https://t.co/p5Vi12atX6

— Pittsburgh Public Works (@PGHDPW) August 6, 2018

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but officials have ruled out a rock slide as a potential cause.

In a statement, Norfolk Southern said, "Norfolk Southern's top priority is public safety as we coordinate recovery efforts with local first responders. Norfolk Southern has two divisions of a contract company that specializes in rerailing rail cars and derailment cleanup and two additional excavators en route."

The Port Authority said the closure of the Smithfield Street Bridge would affect as many as 18 bus routes:

Up-to-date details on shuttle service, bus route detours and more will be posted on PortAuthority.org.

Port Authority Customer Service phone lines will be open at 6 a.m. Customer Service can be reached at (412)-442-2000 or (412)-231-7007 for TTY.

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• Train Derailment