New Traffic Split Causes Messy Commute On Route 28
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It was a messy morning commute for drivers on Route 28.
A new traffic split near the 31st Bridge caused major tie-ups. At one point, traffic was backed up to Fox Chapel.
KDKA's John Shumway Reports:
"I come from the Fox Chapel area, so it took probably about 45 to 50 additional minutes than it usually does," commuter Mike Martini said. "So, it definitely took some time today."
"I got on at Highland Park Bridge and it took me about an hour to get here," James Richey, of Penn Hills, said.
A new traffic configuration located about 1,400 feet south of the 31st Street Bridge caused the bumper-to-bumper traffic throughout the morning rush.
"In this situation, the right-hand lane will be dedicated solely to the East Ohio Street exit," PennDOT spokesperson Steve Cowan said.
KDKA's John Shumway Reports:
The majority of drivers, however, needed to be in the left lane that leads to southbound 28 to the North Shore, plus the ramps to Crosstown Boulevard and Interstate 279. Drivers say despite the construction signs, the split created a lot of confusion.
"We just sat there," Suzannah Maduro of Shaler said. "And, it's people making up their minds because you have to stop and actually read the signs, which are beyond where you are supposed to go."
"Usually when they do this, the first day, it's a little bit confusing," Martini said. "Because people are changing lanes, they don't know which way to go, so hopefully tomorrow and the next day won't be as bad, but we'll see."
Drivers say although they are used to construction on Route 28, considering the entire project is in its fifth phase, it's still frustrating.
KDKA's Sarah Arbogast Reports:
The good news is the split is only supposed to be in place until mid-to-late July, so drivers won't have to deal with this new traffic pattern for too long.
"If we can all be patient, give yourself some extra time in the morning, I think that we'll get through this just fine," Cowan said.
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