PennDOT Suggests Alternate Routes To Heinz Field Due To Flooding
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some roadways in downtown Pittsburgh may still be closed Sunday due to flooding, so PennDOT is suggesting some alternate ways to get to the Steelers game at Heinz Field.
Grounds crews at Heinz Field spent the day clearing snow off the streets and sidewalks to get ready for Steelers and Jaguars fans. However, the big concern is how those fans will get there when several roads are shut down. The 10th Street Bypass is closed, the ramp from the Fort Duquesne Bridge to the Parkway East and the bathtub area of the Parkway flooded.
"That's probably going to cause some inconveniences for everybody going to the Steeler game from that direction," said Angelo Pampena with PennDOT District 11.
PennDOT officials said it is hard to say when these sections of road will re-open to traffic.
"The river level is over the flood wall at this time, so until it goes below the flood walls, we can't even start the clean up process," said Pampena.
Police officers with the city were out Saturday directing traffic. We will likely see that again before Sunday's game. The city said the streets are in good shape for the most part, but it's one thing football fans need to watch out for.
"That's barricaded off. The North Shore Riverfront Park from PNC Park all the way up to the Carnegie Science Center," said Director for the City of Pittsburgh Public Works Mike Gable.
The ice even knocked over a light pole and stopped one guy from riding his bike through the park Saturday night.
"I've been biking around checking out what's going on. There's not many trails open because they're all underwater," said Justin Cirrincione of Bellevue.
As for public transportation, the ramp leading to the Gateway Clipper is flooded and no boats will be headed out from here on Sunday.
Due to high water and dangerous conditions, the Gateway Clipper Fleet WILL NOT PROVIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE to the Pittsburgh Steelers Game on Sunday, January 14th.
Again, there will be NO SHUTTLE SERVICE to the Steelers Playoff Game on January 14. pic.twitter.com/tTObxYgni0— Gateway Clipper (@GatewayClipper) January 14, 2018
"Really come up with a secondary or third option just in case some of the heavier modes of public transportation like the Gateway Clipper or T, they could face some delays," said Nick Sero with the Steelers.
PennDOT says drivers who plan to attend Sunday afternoon's game should allow extra time to get to the stadium and consider a few alternate routes in case that section of the Parkway remains closed Sunday.
A posted detour will take drivers off at the Grant Street (Exit 71A) off-ramp, to Fort Pitt Boulevard back to westbound I-376. PennDOT says this detour does not provide access to the Fort Duquesne Bridge.
Drivers traveling from areas east of the city should consider these routes:
Westbound I-376 to Grant Street
• From westbound I-376, traffic will take the Grant Street (Exit 71A) off-ramp
• Turn left onto Fort Pitt Boulevard
• Follow Fort Pitt Boulevard to northbound I-279
• End route
Westbound I-376 to Boulevard of the Allies
• From westbound I-376, traffic will take the Boulevard of the Allies (Exit 72B) off-ramp
• Follow the Boulevard of the Allies to northbound I-579 toward the Veterans Bridge
• Take the exit to Convention Center/7th Avenue into downtown Pittsburgh
• Follow signs to Heinz Field
• End route
Westbound I-376 to Route 380 via Wilkinsburg
• From westbound I-376, traffic will take the Wilkinsburg (Exit 78B) off-ramp
• Follow northbound Route 8 to westbound Route 380
• From Route 380 take the exit to 6th Avenue into downtown Pittsburgh
• Follow signs to Heinz Field
• End route
Westbound I-376 to Route 28 via Wilkinsburg
• From westbound I-376, traffic will take the Wilkinsburg (Exit 78B) off-ramp
• Follow northbound Route 8 to Route 28
• Take Route 28 southbound to the North Shore exit
• End route
From points east of Monroeville
• Take US 22 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike
• Take the Turnpike westbound to the Allegheny Valley exit
• Follow westbound Freeport Road to Route 910
• From Route 910 take Route 28 southbound to the North Shore exit
• End route
You can find road closures, traffic maps and more at 511pa.com.
The Steelers face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC divisional game at 1:05 p.m. Sunday. The game will be broadcast on KDKA-TV.
