PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It was a tough and long commute for some drivers this morning with parts of Route 28 near the 31st Street Bridge down to one lane heading towards Pittsburgh.

For commuters on Route 28 inbound, it would prove to be one of those mornings.

Traffic would be backed up for miles as Equitable Gas workers upgraded lines on the much-maligned stretch. PennDOT says the restrictions are necessary to access the valves and vent lines.

“I drive it every day to work, and I hate 28,” said commuter Tony Tomassi.

The pinch point was right before the 31st Street Bridge where two lanes would become one. PennDOT closed down the left lane heading southbound.

From the Shaler Water Works and beyond, it would be a day of delays.

Tomassi said his commute normally would take a half hour, but this morning it took an hour and a half.

For Andrea Pekelnicky, the commute became much worse when her car broke down.

“My car just started smoking, so I pulled off to the side of the road and just shut it down,” said Pekelnicky. “I feel so bad cause traffic out here is already so terrible, and then I’m stuck in the middle of it.”

But thanks to a PennDOT crew, Pekelnicky got some water and was on her way.

The restrictions are expected to last through 5 a.m. Wednesday, but crews hope to be done as early as late this afternoon.

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