Tractor-trailer crashes onto side, spills steel coils onto Parkway East inbound

PITTSBURGH — A stretch of the Parkway East inbound was completely closed for several hours Tuesday morning after a tractor-trailer overturned, sending steel coils onto the roadway.

The crash happened shortly before 5 a.m. between Forest Hills and Edgewood/Swissvale.

In addition to spilling coils, the truck hit the Jersey barrier.

All inbound lanes were blocked from Wilkinsburg (Exit 78B) to Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77). One lane reopened about 8:45 a.m. An outbound lane restriction was lifted.

BREAKING: ROAD NOW OPEN- Traffic is Getting By in the Left Lane on the Parkway East Inbound, between Forest Hills and Edgewood / Swissvale, as crews continue to clear an earlier overturned tractor trailer. #PittsburghTraffic #WPXI https://t.co/UyYsfsftyh pic.twitter.com/p3ecxYh3rU
— WPXI Traffic (@WPXITraffic) October 19, 2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had to close lanes again later in the day to allow crews to continue cleanup. All reopened around 1 p.m.

Traffic quickly started backing up after the tractor-trailer rolled onto its side. To avoid the backlog, drivers could detour to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and onto Route 28.

DON’T GET STUCK in these Inbound Parkway East Delays / Backlog -overturned tractor trailer and steel coils still blocking the Pkwy East beyond Forest Hills, traffic should detour to the PA Turnpike to Rt 28. That detour route will cost you approx 30 -35 min into the city. #WPXI pic.twitter.com/QMnPTcVDU8
— WPXI Traffic (@WPXITraffic) October 19, 2021