PennDOT has announced several major construction projects on the Parkway East this year, including a significant 25-day closure for the Commercial Street Bridge project.”I think the biggest thing is for all folks, plan ahead. Know where you’re starting from and where you’re going to, and to best determine the route that you should take during the closure period,” PennDOT senior construction manager John Myler said.Crews are working to finalize preparations to move a new bridge into place. “It’s not like launching a cruise ship where you just cut some cords and it falls into the water. It will be a very slow process,” Myler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the bridge as we’re moving it, and it will take many hours to move the bridge.”Transportation officials also provided updates on current projects and a look ahead at future plans. Part of those plans addresses issues with the notorious “bathtub” portion of I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh.In 2027, drivers can expect an 11-day closure to the section, which is often prone to flooding. “Right now the bathtub floods at 25 feet,” PennDOT executive Jason Zang said. “This would get us five more feet, and we think it will drastically reduce how much the ‘bathtub’ floods.” PennDOT officials assure that, much like the Commercial Street Bridge project, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end.
PITTSBURGH —
PennDOT has announced several major construction projects on the Parkway East this year, including a significant 25-day closure for the Commercial Street Bridge project.
“I think the biggest thing is for all folks, plan ahead. Know where you’re starting from and where you’re going to, and to best determine the route that you should take during the closure period,” PennDOT senior construction manager John Myler said.
Crews are working to finalize preparations to move a new bridge into place.
“It’s not like launching a cruise ship where you just cut some cords and it falls into the water. It will be a very slow process,” Myler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the bridge as we’re moving it, and it will take many hours to move the bridge.”
Transportation officials also provided updates on current projects and a look ahead at future plans.
Part of those plans addresses issues with the notorious “bathtub” portion of I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh.
In 2027, drivers can expect an 11-day closure to the section, which is often prone to flooding.
“Right now the bathtub floods at 25 feet,” PennDOT executive Jason Zang said. “This would get us five more feet, and we think it will drastically reduce how much the ‘bathtub’ floods.”
PennDOT officials assure that, much like the Commercial Street Bridge project, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end.