Parkway East’s Commercial Street Bridge Demolition Unfolds Amid Public Anticipation The aging Commercial Street Bridge on Parkway East in Pittsburgh collapsed in a controlled demolition on Thursday morning, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure renewal efforts. The blast, which occurred just after 8 a.m., followed an unexpected one-day postponement of the demolition process. The event was livestreamed by PennDOT, allowing thousands of viewers to witness the dramatic removal of the structure. The bridge, which spanned Commercial Street near Frick Park, had been a focal point of discussions for years due to its deteriorating condition and the need for replacement. The demolition, part of a larger project to rebuild the bridge, began with the detonation of hundreds of explosive charges. The resulting explosion sent millions of pounds of concrete and steel tumbling into the valley below the Parkway East. The operation was preceded by a lengthy closure of the Parkway, which started on July 10 and is scheduled to reopen on August 3. During this period, traffic restrictions remain in place as crews continue their work at the site. PennDOT has urged motorists to use alternative routes or public transit to avoid delays. Public interest in the demolition was evident as nearly 200 people gathered at the Summerset at Frick Park residential development on Wednesday evening to witness the event. However, they were met with the news that the demolition had been delayed. Robert Malys, one of the attendees, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the significance of the occasion. “It’s a bummer, but I came over here because I had so much fun getting together with people for Big Boy this past weekend,” he said, highlighting the community’s engagement with the project.#pittsburgh #pennDOT #commercial_street_bridge #parkway_east #frick_park
City Officials Announce Even More Road Closures Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft City officials have finalized the third and final phase of road closures ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the most extensive traffic adjustments to date. The Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee, in collaboration with PennDOT, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, announced the closures as part of a broader effort to transform Downtown and the North Shore into a pedestrian-friendly event space. These changes will take effect from April 22 to April 26, coinciding with the draft events. The updated closures include a comprehensive list of roads and highways, adding to the previously announced Phase 1 and Phase 2 restrictions. Key affected areas include Allegheny Avenue from Ridge Avenue, North Shore Drive between Chuck Noll Way and Mazeroski Way, West General Robinson Street, and Lacock Street from Federal Street. Federal Street will also be closed between Lacock Street and its intersection with other major thoroughfares. Additional closures span major highways such as I-279 Southbound and Northbound Exit 1B ramps, Rt 65 Southbound and Northbound ramps near the Fort Duquesne Bridge, and the T1 ramp connecting Reedsdale Street and Ridge Avenue. The 6th Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente), 7th Street Bridge (Andy Warhol), and Ft Pitt Bridge on the 10th Street Bypass and Ft. Duquesne Blvd will also be closed. Commonwealth Place, Liberty Ave Extension, Penn Avenue between Stanwix Street and 9th Street, and the Liberty Ave/PPG Paints Arena Exit off the Ft Pitt Bridge are among the other locations impacted. Smithfield St. Bridge is also included in the closures.#allegheny_county #pittsburgh_local_organizing_committee #pennDOT #city_of_pittsburgh #pittsburgh_regional_transit
