- September 3rd, 2019
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As part of the I-579 “Cap” Urban Connector project, the ramp from northbound I-579 to 7th Avenue will close to traffic at approximately 8 p.m. Friday, September 6 for 700 consecutive days through August 6, 2021.
Crews will place concrete barriers at the ramp, southbound I-579 will be shifted into two 11-foot wide lanes, and line painting operations will occur through Saturday morning. Approximately 2,250 vehicles use the ramp each day.
Posted Detour
- Northbound I-579 to 7th Avenue
- From northbound I-579, take the PPG Arena/Centre Avenue off-ramp
- Turn right onto Washington Place
- Turn right onto Fifth Avenue
- Turn right onto 6th Avenue
- Turn right onto Grant Street
- Follow Grant Street back to 7th Avenue
- End detour
Motorists traveling from the east into downtown Pittsburgh should consider using the Second Avenue (Exit 71B) or Grant Street (Exit 71A) off-ramps from inbound (westbound) I-376 (Parkway East).
The long-term closure is required for pier construction within the limits of the ramp to support the bridge cap structure. A total of four piers will be constructed. The work includes deep foundation work consisting of 42 caissons drilled to a depth of 35 feet, 42 new concrete columns which will support four pier caps that range from 86 to 106 feet in length to support the 126 pre-stressed adjacent box beam bridge. Additionally, the contractor will stage equipment and material on the closed ramp for other project work including the bridge structure, highway lighting under the bridge, and the reconstruction of the ramp.
The work is part of the $29.34 million project which will consist of the construction of a structure spanning I-579 to link downtown Pittsburgh and the Hill District. In part, the Cap project will create a new three-acre greenspace which will include pedestrian pathways, bicycle routes, rain gardens for stormwater management, and design elements from neighborhood artists. Additional construction activities include retrofitting existing retaining walls and bridges to accommodate the new structure, roadway reconstruction, drainage improvements, traffic signals, highway lighting, ITS, and landscaping.
For additional details on the project including information on sustainability, funding, and public input please visit http://www.pgh-sea.com/LHR-i579cap.htm.
Motorists are encouraged to find more efficient modes of transportation, like considering taking Port Authority bus or light rail service for the duration of the project. Information about Port Authority service can be found at https://www.portauthority.org/.
To help keep motorists informed as work progresses, PennDOT has created an email distribution list for I-579 Crosstown Boulevard traffic advisories and construction updates. Enroll by sending email addresses to stcowan@pa.gov. Please write “Subscribe – I-579 Cap Project” in the subject line.
