Let’s talk about the biggest thing to hit the local interstate in 2026. The Parkway East Tunnel Closure and Bridge replacement from July 10 to August 3. If you ever said you can’t get there from here in Pittsburgh, it will be true with this closure, since all the other routes we all know will be jam packed. Phoebe and Crawford are really irritated that they will have to whistle even more fire horns, since Rt. 28 is one of the published detours. Instead of the usual crazy drivers who do 80 in a 45, they will now have new to the route drivers creating fender benders between Fox Chapel Road and Etna. a
About Rt. 28 being part of the detour, you’d think that PennDOT would work with the PA Turnpike Commission to eliminate tolls between Monroeville and Oakmont for the planned closure.
Some downtown Pittsburgh companies that have been forcing their employees back into the office this year have even given their employees a free pass to work remotely during this project.
Closure details
Where: I-376 between Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)
When: July 10-Aug. 3 (dates are subject to change)
For official updates please check here:
If you have to go in the office between these dates, consider avoiding town on Pirate home days. The 6:40 start time is a disaster with the typical evening departure. Obviously there are not a lot of fans who work outside the city and commute during game days.
PennDOT notes that you should allow extra travel time and consider rescheduling nonessential in-person meetings during the closure. PennDOT also recommends sharing rides or using public transit to reduce traffic and make the commute less stressful. I personally will have my Sirius on DMB Radio anytime I step in the car during this period so I can have a happy space. Oh if you are thinking about biking, just note that the 9-Mile Run Trail will be closed due to the bridge demolition and shift.
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