PNC Park Security Drill Impacts North Shore Traffic

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It's not just another day at the ballpark as a major security drill got underway Tuesday morning at PNC Park.

While it's not in response to a specific threat, it is a chance for emergency crews to prepare for situations they hope will never come up.

Shortly after 6 a.m., emergency responders surrounded PNC Park.

"This is an annual exercise that the Pennsylvania Civil Support Team does. Usually, they're fairly low-key. They happen every year. You don't even know that they go on," Deputy Director of Emergency Management Ray DeMichiei said.

This year, the Pennsylvania Civil Support Team is being joined by crews from Ohio. Both are working with the Department of Homeland Security, the City of Pittsburgh and crews from PNC Park to prepare for emergency situations.

"They're going to be doing their stuff that they do every game internally in light of this exercise," DeMichiei said. "Then, they're going to interface with emergency responders."

The scenario for today's exercise is a World Series game where suspicious packages are spotted inside the stadium.

Men in HAZMAT suits investigated the objects in question and searched for clues.

It's a training task they take very seriously.

"If you don't train, you don't fight well. If you don't train, you don't do these kinds of emergency evolutions well," DeMichiei said.

There are some traffic restrictions on the north shore today because of the drill.

Mazeroski Way is closed from General Robinson Boulevard to North Shore Drive.

Also, only local traffic is being allowed to enter North Shore Drive at Tony Dorsett Drive.

The drill should wrap up around 7 p.m.

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