Downtown Pittsburgh Traffic To Be Impacted By Long-Term Tunnel Closure

PITTSBURGH, PA — Downtown traffic will be impacted for several years as a $13.1 million renovation of the Armstrong Tunnel occurs.

The Allegheny County Department of Public Works announced Thursday that the inbound tunnel will close on March 4, as will the Second Avenue right lane at the intersection with the tunnel.

The inbound tunnel is expected to reopen during winter 2024 . The outbound tunnel and adjacent sidewalk for renovations, a project expected to last until the spring of 2025.

The tunnel is used by an average of 11,039 vehicles daily.

County officials said recent inspections have revealed significant deterioration of the tunnel.

Work during the project includes concrete repairs; removal of the ceramic tile liner and replacement with fireproof wall panels; masonry cleaning at the tunnel entrances and
exits; lighting, electrical, and fire detection and suppression system upgrades; installation of a
closed circuit TV monitoring system; and placement of new pavement, curb, sidewalk, signage and pavement markings.

After the tunnels reopen, they will have a new lane configuration intended to slow traffic and improve safety.

Currently, there are two 10-foot-wide lanes with no shoulders in each tunnel. After the project, the inbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 4‑foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit,
where there will be two right-turn lanes.

The outbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 2- to 3-foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit, where there will be a left‑turn lane and a straight/right-turn lane. Additionally, the current 3-foot, 9-inch sidewalk adjacent to the outbound tunnel will be widened to 6 feet, 3 inches except at its entrances.