Blue Line – Library

The Blue Line – Library (formerly the 47L Library via Overbrook) is a line on the Pittsburgh Light Rail system that runs between Library and Downtown Pittsburgh via the Overbrook neighborhood.

Route

The line begins in Library in South Park and runs north to Willow through Bethel Park, providing a transfer to the Red Line, which runs via Beechview. The Blue Line – Library continues north through Overbrook, Brookline, Carrick, Bon Air, and Beltzhoover. At South Hills Junction the Blue Line – Library rejoins the Beechview line and the Brown Line, which runs over Mount Washington through the Allentown neighborhood. The Blue Line – Library runs through the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel, stopping at Station Square before crossing the Monongahela River on the Panhandle Bridge. Reaching downtown at First Avenue, the Blue Line – Library proceeds underground to Steel Plaza and Wood Street. At the end of the line, the tracks circle back before arriving at the single platform Gateway Center station, preparing to travel outbound.

History

The line from South Hills Junction to Castle Shannon (now called the Overbrook Line) was first constructed by the Pittsburgh and Castle Shannon Railroad (P&CSRR) between 1872 and 1874.^[1] In 1905 Pittsburgh Railways leased the route and between 1909 and 1910 converted it from narrow gauge to dual gauge and installed overhead power for trolleys.

The line was reopened on June 2, 2004 following major work which included doubling of the track and elimination of many traditional street level trolley stops in favour of 8 new LRV style stations with platforms.^[2]

Stations

References

External links

• Blue Line - Library via Overbrook schedule effective April 4, 2010
• Blue Line - Library via Overbrook Route Map