Motor carriers operating in western Pennsylvania should prepare for significant traffic impacts beginning July 10, when PennDOT closes a portion of Interstate 376 (Parkway East) to replace the aging Commercial Street Bridge using an accelerated bridge construction method. See PennDOT's information site about the project.

The interstate will be closed between the Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) and Forbes Avenue/Oakland (Exit 72A) interchanges through August 3, allowing crews to replace the bridge in approximately 25 days rather than conducting years of phased construction. During the closure, inbound traffic will be directed off the Parkway at Wilkinsburg (Exit 78B), while outbound traffic will exit at Forbes Avenue (Exit 72A). Local access to the Squirrel Hill and Edgewood interchanges will be maintained, but through traffic should expect to follow signed detours.

The $95 million project replaces a bridge that carries approximately 100,000 vehicles each day. Rather than rebuilding the structure over live traffic, PennDOT has constructed the new bridge adjacent to the existing one. During the closure, crews will demolish the old bridge and slide the new bridge into place using one of the largest lateral bridge slide operations ever performed in Pennsylvania.

While the accelerated construction method will significantly reduce the overall duration of the project, the 25-day closure is expected to create congestion throughout the Pittsburgh region as traffic shifts to alternate routes. PennDOT selected the mid-summer construction window because schools are out of session and traffic volumes are typically lower than at other times of the year. The construction contract also includes financial incentives for early completion and penalties if the closure extends beyond the scheduled reopening date.

PMTA encourages members operating in or through the Pittsburgh area during the closure to plan ahead by:

• Reviewing PennDOT's posted detour routes before dispatching drivers.
• Allowing additional travel time for pickups and deliveries.
• Communicating with customers about potential delays.
• Monitoring traffic conditions through 511PA and PennDOT throughout the closure.

Although the closure will be disruptive, replacing the bridge during a single extended shutdown will substantially reduce the long-term impacts compared to maintaining years of lane restrictions on one of western Pennsylvania's busiest freight corridors. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will provide a safer, more reliable bridge for motorists and commercial vehicles alike.

PennDOT has published detailed detour maps, frequently asked questions, and project updates to help motorists and carriers plan ahead. PMTA encourages members traveling through the region during the closure to review those resources before making trips through the Pittsburgh area.

View the interactive map here.