PennDOT to host virtual hearing on Parkway East bridge project

Amelia Benavides-Colón TribLive Tue, May 12, 2026 • 12:32 PM

A worker is seen in the distance as large green beams have been erected as part of the new bridge infrastructure on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 as work continues on the Commercial Street Bridge replacement project on the Parkway East in Pittsburgh. (Shane Dunlap | TribLive)

PennDOT will unveil details behind this summer’s closure of Parkway East for the installation of the new Commercial Street Bridge.

The highway is scheduled to be closed for 26 days, between the Edgewood-Swissvale and Squirrel Hill exits, beginning on July 10, in order for the new bridge to be slid into place.

PennDOT has opted to build the new bridge adjacent to the site, rather than build it in place, which would cause a longer-term shutdown and traffic delays. Once the new bridge is constructed and the previous site prepared, the new bridge will just need to be slid into place.

The Commercial Street Bridge, which transports hundreds of thousands of drivers each day, is on track to be the largest structure to be installed in such a manner.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m., where attendees can expect to hear details about the lane and exit closures and a timeline for the existing bridge demolition.