Be prepared for I-376 Parkway East closures, starting July 10

Starting on Friday, July 10, PennDOT will begin replacing the aging Commercial Street Bridge on I-376 Parkway East to improve safety and mobility for Pittsburgh commuters. The full closure of I-376 Parkway East will last approximately 25 consecutive days.

Closure details

Where: I-376 between Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)

When: July 10-Aug. 3 (dates are subject to change)

Pitt students, faculty and staff should expect and prepare for potential impacts to the Oakland neighborhood, as both Forbes and Fifth avenues will be utilized for the interstate detour. Review the detour maps provided by PennDOT, allow extra travel time and consider rescheduling nonessential in-person meetings during the closure. PennDOT recommends sharing rides or using public transit to reduce traffic and make the commute less stressful.

Stay informed

• Dial 511 or download the 511PA mobile app.
• Get real-time traffic updates from the 511PA website.
• Find project updates and sign up for Parkway East alerts from PennDOT.

Road safety

Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian in Oakland, you should be prepared to encounter additional motorists in the area who may not be familiar with the neighborhood and its roads. Everyone shares the responsibility to operate safely on our roadways, no matter the mode of transportation:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey all signs and signals.
• Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks wherever they are available and cross using crosswalks and intersections.
• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road — as of June 2026, Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of an interactive mobile device while driving a motor vehicle.
• Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers as they approach an intersection or crosswalk to make sure they are seen, and drivers should likewise be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Review additional safety tips from the Pitt Police.

If you experience an on-campus emergency, contact Pitt Police at 412-624-2121. Remember to use PennDOT’s resources for updates on the Parkway East project.