New Traffic Pattern In Effect In Parkway North Construction Zone

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Commuters who use the Parkway North are getting their first look at a new traffic pattern today.

Last week, the HOV lanes were closed in order to reroute traffic.

For drivers using the southbound/inbound side of the Parkway North, here's what you need to know:

Traffic will split just before the Camp Horne Road exit.

Drivers heading into the city can stay left at the split onto the express ramp. From there, you'll drive in a single lane on what is normally the outbound side of the Parkway.

Drivers who are using one of the local exits in Bellevue or Perrysville will stay right at the split and use a single lane through the work zone.

The speed limit is 45 mph through the work zone.

PennDOT said buses and tractor-trailer traffic in the express lanes will be closely monitored over the next few days to see if the standard 11-foot wide lanes are too narrow. If it's a problem, they'll be restricted to the local lane.

PennDOT officials said Monday was not the best test of how the changes will affect traffic going forward.

"First day back after a holiday, usually a little bit lighter traffic flow, but that's a good day to implement a major change like this," PennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessna said.

People are urged to plan for extra commute time on Tuesday.

The $89 million project is expected to be completed in 2019. Construction on the inbound side is expected to be done by the end of this year.

By September, PennDOT expects to re-open the HOV lanes.

Crews will start on the outbound side at the beginning of 2018.

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