Monongahela Incline
Monongahela Incline
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA
412.442.2000
The Monongahela Incline was built at a cost of $50,000 and opened on May 28, 1870. Since then, it has transported millions of passengers. The incline opened up Mt. Washington to development, enabling people to live 600 feet above the city and still have easy access to factories and businesses along the river.
The Monongahela Incline was consolidated into Port Authority operations in 1964 and declared a historic structure by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1970.
In 1982, Port Authority made improvements to the incline with the replacement of car bodies, improved access and renovated stations. The trestle supporting the road bed was changed to a new steel structure on concrete piers.
The 1994 renovation project was more extensive. The electrical and mechanical components of the machinery were replaced, an addition to the upper station was completed and trackway lighting was installed.
Mon Incline Facts:
* Length: 635 feet
* Elevation: 369.39 feet
* Grade: 35 degrees, 35 minutes
* Speed: 6 miles per hour
* Passenger: Capacity 23 per car
* Opened: May 28, 1870
* Renovated: 1882 (with steel structure)
* Renovated: 1982-83 new track structure, cars and stations
* Renovated: 1994 upper, lower stations, restored cars, replaced electric motors and controls
Copyright © 2009 Port Authority
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