Armstrong Tunnel inbound to close through winter of 2024, work to start early

By Chris Hoffman

February 16, 2023 / 11:14 AM / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Armstrong Tunnel is set to close in just a few weeks for a $13.1 million rehabilitation project, according to Allegheny County Public Works.

Work is going to begin on the tunnel on Saturday, March 4 at 6 a.m., closing the inbound side. The right lane for inbound traffic on Second Avenue will also close at the road's intersection with the tunnel.

This maintenance will address concrete repairs, removal of the ceramic tile liner, replacement with fireproof wall panels and more. Allegheny County Public Works says recent inspections showed deterioration of the tunnel's concrete, ceramic tile liner and lighting fixtures that need to be brought to current standards.

The inbound side of the Armstrong Tunnel is set to open in the winter of 2024, followed by the closure of the outbound tunnel and adjacent sidewalk. Those closures will be in effect until the spring of 2025.

The tunnel sees more than 11,000 thousand drivers each day and connects Downtown to the South Side. It's a major connector for the Parkway North, East Carson Street and the PPG Paints Arena.

"There are other routes but this is a major artery so it's going to slow it down a little bit so we just have to plan a little better," Michael Marburger of the South Side said.

Marburger runs deliveries around town. His van has a computer to find alternate routes.

"If not, a lot of times what we will do is go off route. I'll go into the city and go in the back end of the Hill District to Oakland," Marburger said.

The county public works director says it was time for the tunnel to get a facelift. Its last one was 32 years ago.

"We've noticed deterioration. We're getting water coming through the walls. It's causing issues with the concrete," Allegheny County Public Works Director Stephen Shanley said.

Vehicles will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street and Forbes Avenue. Trucks can expect to use Second Avenue, B Street, First Avenue, Grant Street, Boulevard of the Allies, Commonwealth Place, Liberty Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue and Forbes Avenue.

"It's just an inconvenience. These are good problems. I would rather have safe tunnels," Marburger said.

Chris is an award-winning reporter who started with KDKA in May 2019. He is thrilled to tell your stories in his hometown!

First published on February 16, 2023 / 11:14 AM