PITTSBURGH — If this weekend was any indication, drivers will continue to experience major delays while the outbound Liberty Tunnel remains closed for the next few weeks.
Monday evening is the first rush hour commute for drivers who normally use the outbound tunnel to get to the South Hills.
Channel 11's Cara Sapida was there as many frustrated drivers used the detour through Mount Washington or, as a few did, made an illegal U-turn by the tunnel.
The outbound tunnel will remain closed until July 28 while crews paint the inside.
“I’m disgusted. This is terrible. I figured they could do it at a more opportune time because this isn’t fun,” Shawn Welch said.
“At the end of 2013, crews began painting but there was a problem with surface preparation and the paint was peeling off so we went on a hiatus for the winter,” Steve Cowan, with PennDOT, said.
Cowan is asking for patience from drivers as crews work.
“We ask that people please be patient and allow extra time. If you know an alternate route, please take it,” Cowan said.
Despite many frustrations, Sapida talked to some drivers who reluctantly understood.
“It’s ridiculous and it’s too long, but what can you do?” Milton Holt said. “We have these roads, and they really need worked on.”