Apr 4, 2013 2 min read

The outbound lanes of the Squirrel Hill Tunnel will close from 11 p.m. today through 6 a.m. Monday.

Crews will begin work to remove the outbound tunnel ceiling and continue rehabilitation and preservation work on the outbound bridge over Commercial Street. When overall work is completed, vertical clearance in the eastbound tunnel will increase from 13 feet, 6 inches to 14 feet, 9 inches. Additional, multiple improvement activities will occur in the tunnel as well.

Signs will be posted to guide motorists. The posted detour will require eastbound traffic to form a single lane exiting at the Squirrel Hill/Homestead interchange. Significant delays should be expected and alternate routes considered.

The inbound tunnel will remain open while the outbound tunnel is closed, although short-term inbound traffic stoppages may occur for equipment access and material removal.

To minimize impacts on businesses in Squirrel Hill, different detours are being used during day and night hours. The state Department of Transportation has made improvements at key intersections and police will be posted to keep traffic moving on the posted detour.

The outbound lanes are scheduled to be closed the weekends of April 19 through 22 and April 26 through 29. This schedule is tentative and subject to change based on work progress and other variables. Additional closures will be announced.

The $49.5 million project to rehabilitate the Squirrel Hill Tunnel includes updating electrical, lighting, air control and ventilation systems, structural repairs to the walls and arched ceiling, tile repairs, installation of a water line and other improvements. Overall work will conclude in early summer 2014.