Bon Air Lives!

[Frederick J Sauerburger MD]

Yo!
My aunt just sent me this Pgh Post-Gazette article.  My apologies if this
has been discussed while I was asleep at the switch.
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE  WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19,2000:
By Joe Grata
About two months from now, bulldozers, earth, and stone should start moving
in the Bon Air-Carrick-Overbrook area for the first new light-rail
construction in Allegheny County in almost 15 years.<...>The section lies
in the middle of the old Overbrook trolley line.  The authority hopes to
award other contracts later this year, giving priority to all 5.2 miles
between South Hills Junction and Castle Shannon so it can start offering
express service on the rest of the light rail system, which has been in
operation since the mid-1980's.  Awarding the contract will mark the
physical start of the authority's "Stage II" light-rail expansion program
that also calls for rebuilding the Library line, expanding park-and-ride
capacity, modernizing a control center, rehabilitating the existing fleet
of 55 LRV's, purchasing 28 more LRV's, and making other improvements.
<....>The middle section....starts on the east side of Route 51,
approximately at Whited Street, and runs south to the Rt 51-88
intersection.   <....>massive retaining walls are to be built on the west
side of Rt 51.  The new tracks will be laid there, above the busway, but
below the Wheeling and Lake Erie tracks. Two new contracts will be
necessary to complete the new Overbrook line, with accommodations for
two-car trains and platform loading, complying eith ADA requirements.

Should I dampen my enthusiasm with a good dose of skepticism?

The Grateful Fred
PRys, West Penn, EBT near Annapolis