Ft. Pitt Tunnel Closure Causes Gridlock

The outbound (westbound) Fort Pitt Tunnel on the Parkway West are closed this weekend, and the result on Saturday was traffic gridlock.

Some people said they were stuck for about an hour getting around the closure.

"I didn't even know that they were closing the tunnel. Up there, they would have like five lanes going into one or two, it's absolutely ridiculous," said Tammy Bojanovic.

Crews will be replacing ceiling tiles in the outbound tunnel. The closure is scheduled to last until 6 a.m. on Monday.

Crews will be replacing ceiling tiles in the outbound Fort Pitt Tunnel. Signs will be posted to guide drivers through the detour, PennDOT said.

The inbound (eastbound) Fort Pitt Tunnel will remain open and unrestricted.

Posted Detours:

Video: Trisha Pittman Outlines Detour Information

Traffic from southbound Route 65 and the inbound Parkway North will be detoured using the West End Bridge to Saw Mill Run Boulevard (Route 51/19) to the outbound Parkway West (I-376).

Downtown and Parkway East traffic will exit off the Fort Pitt Bridge to West Carson Street (Exit 69C Route 837) to the West End, taking Saw Mill Run Boulevard (Route 51/19) to the Parkway West.

Drivers are advised to use caution and allow extra time when traveling through the area.

PennDOT also reminds drivers they can call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before traveling.

Between 44,000 to 55,000 vehicles a day use the tunnel on weekends.

• E-Mail Newsletter: Get The Latest News Sent To Your E-Mail!

• Mobile: Get WPXI Headlines On Your Phone, iPhone, More

• RSS: Add Us To Your Page!