Community Corner
Nearby: Liberty Tunnel Closing 'Round-the-Clock Friday Through Aug. 12
The southbound tunnel will be closed 24 hours per day for more than two weeks while its concrete arches and ventilation shaft are replaced.
By Erin Faulk
The good news? Work on the Liberty Tunnels is progressing nicely.
The bad news? The southbound tunnel—a popular commute for city workers coming home to the South Hills—will be completely closed, 24 hours per day, from July 26 to Aug. 12.
The outbound (southbound) Liberty Tunnel will close to traffic completely at 10 p.m. on Friday and will reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, according to PennDOT.
PennDOT will post the following detour for outbound traffic:
- Make right onto PJ McArdle Roadway.
- Continue straight onto Merrimac Street to Woodruff Street.
- Follow Woodruff Street to Route 51/19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard).
- Make left onto Route 51/19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) and follow back to Route 19 (Liberty Avenue).
- End detour.
In addition to the outbound tunnel work, the inbound (northbound) Liberty Tunnel will continue to be closed overnight. Inbound lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night between July 26 and Aug. 12.
The $18.8-million Phase IV Liberty Tunnels project includes repair of structural concrete; updating and repair of electrical, lighting and safety systems; refurbishing of the portal buildings; and other improvements. The prime contractor is Swank Construction Company. Overall work will conclude this fall.
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