PennDOT Working To Stem Pittsburgh Highway Wrong-Way Wrecks

PITTSBURGH, PA — Intermittent traffic stoppages will occur next week on various ramps to a heavily traveled Pittsburgh highway so that PennDOT can perform wrong-way detection testing.

The agency in April began installing a $4.8 million detection system that includes fiber, sensors, detectors, signs, lighting and cameras along Route 28 between Anderson Street in the city and the Harmar-Pennsylvania Turnpike-Route 910 interchange in Harmar.

All of those things were installed to detect wrong-way drivers entering Route 28, a frequent occurrence that has resulted in injuries and deaths. The signs and lights will automatically alert drivers, and a notification will be sent to PennDOT's Western Regional Traffic Management Center.

The testing next Tuesday through Thursday between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. along Route 28 off-ramps will require ramp stoppages of 15 minutes or less in the following locations:

• Northbound Route 28 off-ramp to Highland Park Bridge/Aspinwall (Exit 6)
• Northbound Route 28 off-ramp to Millvale (Exit 3B)
• Southbound Route 28 off-ramp to 31st Street Bridge/Strip District (Exit 2)
• Northbound Route 28 left-hand off-ramp to I-279 North/East Ohio Street

Pennsylvania State Police will assist with the closures.