PITTSBURGH — Drivers are preparing for months of detours and lane restrictions as a more than $14 million project gets underway to address flooding in the Parkway East’s “Bathtub.”
Crews began closing the Grant Street on-ramp to westbound Interstate 376, the westbound Stanwix Street exit and the left lane between those ramps Saturday night.
The restrictions are expected to remain in place around the clock through August 2027.
For Jossalyn Conley, who drives through the stretch at least three times a week, the construction means adjusting her routine.
“A year is a very long time to close something,” Conley said.
She expects the restrictions to make her trips longer.
“Very inconvenient, it’s going to be longer probably to get to and from places,” she said.
The $14.34 million project will raise the existing floodwall and repair and upgrade pumps and piping systems.
PennDOT says the work is intended to reduce flooding closures and shorten the time needed to clean up afterward.
The flood-prone stretch runs between the Grant Street interchange and the Fort Pitt Bridge. According to PennDOT, each flooding closure diverts approximately 43,000 vehicles.
“It floods really badly, and you can’t really drive down there, which kind of makes it inconvenient for me,” Niviah Andre said.
Leah Breisinger said she is glad the problem is being addressed.
“Even the smallest amount of water causes the whole road to get shut down, so it’s good that they’re starting now rather than later,” Breisinger said.
Drivers can use Fort Pitt Boulevard for the posted detours. The westbound Grant Street exit and the Stanwix Street on-ramp will remain open, allowing drivers to exit at Grant Street and enter the inbound Parkway at Stanwix Street.
Two through lanes will remain open to the Fort Pitt Bridge.
No eastbound lane restrictions are anticipated in the corridor as part of the project.
PennDOT also plans a 12-day full closure of the westbound roadway during the 2027 construction season for pavement reconstruction.
The entire project is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
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