The Monongahela Incline, which has been closed since Aug. 11 after its cars stopped on the Mount Washington hillside about 50 feet away from stations at the top and bottom, will reopen on Monday, Pittsburgh Regional Transit said Friday.
Engineers determined that condensation from an air conditioner used to cool the control circuit box for the system caused the emergency brake to activate when there was no emergency. The control box is in the basement of the station on Grandview Avenue.
The system stalled for about an hour before it restarted to deliver 12 riders, nine to the top and three to the bottom.
“They’ve reduced the amount of condensation the air conditioner created,” spokesman Adam Brandolph said Friday. “Further testing is being done this weekend, but they are confident all will be good by Monday.”
The agency changed the control box and cooling system during an $8.1 million upgrade to its mechanical system and decor. About 1,000 riders use the incline on weekdays and about 4,500 on weekends.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.