Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project

Share Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project on Facebook Share Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project on Twitter Share Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project on Linkedin Email Armstrong Tunnel Rehabilitation Project link

Project has concluded

Overview

  • Location: The Armstrong Tunnel goes through the Bluff between Forbes Avenue and Second Avenue in the City of Pittsburgh
  • Current traffic restrictions: Full closure of the inbound tunnel and the sidewalk in the outbound tunnel
  • Project start date: March 4, 2023
  • Estimated traffic restrictions end date: June 2025
  • Scope of work: Concrete repairs; removal of the ceramic tile liner and replacement with fireproof wall panels; masonry cleaning at the tunnel entrances and exits; lighting, electrical, and fire detection and suppression system upgrades; installation of a CCTV monitoring system; and placement of new pavement, curb, sidewalk, signage, and pavement markings.
  • Primary contractor: Mosites Construction Company
  • Estimated cost: $13.1 million

New Lane Configuration

After the tunnels reopen, they will have a new lane configuration to slow traffic and improve safety. Before this project began, there were two 10-foot-wide lanes with no shoulders in each tunnel and a 3-foot, 9-inch sidewalk adjacent to the outbound tunnel. After the project:

  • The inbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 4‑foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit, where there will be two right-turn lanes.
  • The outbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 2- to 3-foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit, where there will be a left‑turn lane and a straight/right-turn lane.
  • The sidewalk will be widened to 6 feet, 3 inches except at its entrances.

Inbound Tunnel Vehicle Detour

  • From Second Avenue, turn right onto Ross Street
  • Turn right onto Forbes Avenue

Outbound Tunnel Sidewalk Pedestrian Detour

Northbound toward Forbes Avenue

  • From Second Avenue, turn right onto Ross Street
  • Turn right onto Forbes Avenue

Southbound toward Second Avenue

  • Same as the northbound detour in the opposite direction

Overview

  • Location: The Armstrong Tunnel goes through the Bluff between Forbes Avenue and Second Avenue in the City of Pittsburgh
  • Current traffic restrictions: Full closure of the inbound tunnel and the sidewalk in the outbound tunnel
  • Project start date: March 4, 2023
  • Estimated traffic restrictions end date: June 2025
  • Scope of work: Concrete repairs; removal of the ceramic tile liner and replacement with fireproof wall panels; masonry cleaning at the tunnel entrances and exits; lighting, electrical, and fire detection and suppression system upgrades; installation of a CCTV monitoring system; and placement of new pavement, curb, sidewalk, signage, and pavement markings.
  • Primary contractor: Mosites Construction Company
  • Estimated cost: $13.1 million

New Lane Configuration

After the tunnels reopen, they will have a new lane configuration to slow traffic and improve safety. Before this project began, there were two 10-foot-wide lanes with no shoulders in each tunnel and a 3-foot, 9-inch sidewalk adjacent to the outbound tunnel. After the project:

  • The inbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 4‑foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit, where there will be two right-turn lanes.
  • The outbound tunnel will have one 12-foot lane with 2- to 3-foot shoulders except at the tunnel exit, where there will be a left‑turn lane and a straight/right-turn lane.
  • The sidewalk will be widened to 6 feet, 3 inches except at its entrances.

Inbound Tunnel Vehicle Detour

  • From Second Avenue, turn right onto Ross Street
  • Turn right onto Forbes Avenue

Outbound Tunnel Sidewalk Pedestrian Detour

Northbound toward Forbes Avenue

  • From Second Avenue, turn right onto Ross Street
  • Turn right onto Forbes Avenue

Southbound toward Second Avenue

  • Same as the northbound detour in the opposite direction

Project has concluded

  • May 28, 2025

    Share May 28, 2025 on Facebook Share May 28, 2025 on Twitter Share May 28, 2025 on Linkedin Email May 28, 2025 link
    supporting image

    The Department of Public Works announced today that the inbound Armstrong Tunnel will reopen and the more than two-year, $13.1 million Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project will end tomorrow morning. County Executive Sara Innamorato was joined by local elected officials and members of her administration for a ribbon-cutting today to celebrate the accomplishment.

    “We know that a connected community is a thriving community,” said County Executive Innamorato. “This project not only restores a vital piece of infrastructure, it also reflects our commitment to safety, sustainability, and smart investment in the future of Allegheny County.”

    While the sidewalk work associated with the rehabilitation project has been completed, the sidewalk is expected to remain closed through September. On the Forbes Avenue side of the tunnel, Duquesne University is using scaffolding on the sidewalk to make repairs to the Fisher Hall pedestrian bridge.

    The Department of Public Works announced today that the inbound Armstrong Tunnel will reopen and the more than two-year, $13.1 million Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project will end tomorrow morning. County Executive Sara Innamorato was joined by local elected officials and members of her administration for a ribbon-cutting today to celebrate the accomplishment.

    “We know that a connected community is a thriving community,” said County Executive Innamorato. “This project not only restores a vital piece of infrastructure, it also reflects our commitment to safety, sustainability, and smart investment in the future of Allegheny County.”

    While the sidewalk work associated with the rehabilitation project has been completed, the sidewalk is expected to remain closed through September. On the Forbes Avenue side of the tunnel, Duquesne University is using scaffolding on the sidewalk to make repairs to the Fisher Hall pedestrian bridge.

    Project has concluded

  • May 8, 2025

    Share May 8, 2025 on Facebook Share May 8, 2025 on Twitter Share May 8, 2025 on Linkedin Email May 8, 2025 link
    supporting image

    The outbound Armstrong Tunnel in Pittsburgh has reopened to traffic, and the inbound tunnel has closed to traffic. Closure of the inbound tunnel, which is expected to reopen in June 2025, is required for crews to complete miscellaneous construction, including additional roadway work.

    While the outbound tunnel has reopened, the sidewalk on that side of the tunnel is expected to remain closed through September. The sidewalk work associated with the rehabilitation project has been completed. However, Duquesne University will be using scaffolding in the area to make repairs to the Fisher Hall pedestrian bridge above Forbes Avenue.

    During the inbound Armstrong Tunnel closure, vehicles will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Until the sidewalk reopens, pedestrians will continue to be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue.

    The outbound Armstrong Tunnel in Pittsburgh has reopened to traffic, and the inbound tunnel has closed to traffic. Closure of the inbound tunnel, which is expected to reopen in June 2025, is required for crews to complete miscellaneous construction, including additional roadway work.

    While the outbound tunnel has reopened, the sidewalk on that side of the tunnel is expected to remain closed through September. The sidewalk work associated with the rehabilitation project has been completed. However, Duquesne University will be using scaffolding in the area to make repairs to the Fisher Hall pedestrian bridge above Forbes Avenue.

    During the inbound Armstrong Tunnel closure, vehicles will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Until the sidewalk reopens, pedestrians will continue to be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue.

    Project has concluded

  • March 4, 2025

    Share March 4, 2025 on Facebook Share March 4, 2025 on Twitter Share March 4, 2025 on Linkedin Email March 4, 2025 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel in Pittsburgh will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7. The closures are required for a routine inspection.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    The outbound Armstrong Tunnel remains closed.

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel in Pittsburgh will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7. The closures are required for a routine inspection.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    The outbound Armstrong Tunnel remains closed.

    Project has concluded

  • January 24, 2025

    Share January 24, 2025 on Facebook Share January 24, 2025 on Twitter Share January 24, 2025 on Linkedin Email January 24, 2025 link
    supporting image

    The inbound lane on Second Avenue in front of the Armstrong Tunnel will be closed for two weeks starting on Monday, January 27, 2025. The closure is required for replacement of pavement in front of the outbound tunnel. The inbound tunnel will remain open while the work is taking place. Channelizers and police during the afternoon rush hour will be used to control traffic.

    The inbound lane on Second Avenue in front of the Armstrong Tunnel will be closed for two weeks starting on Monday, January 27, 2025. The closure is required for replacement of pavement in front of the outbound tunnel. The inbound tunnel will remain open while the work is taking place. Channelizers and police during the afternoon rush hour will be used to control traffic.

    Project has concluded

  • September 11, 2024

    Share September 11, 2024 on Facebook Share September 11, 2024 on Twitter Share September 11, 2024 on Linkedin Email September 11, 2024 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close from 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 to 6 a.m. on Monday, September 16 ,6 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 to 6 a.m. on Monday, September 23, and 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 to 6 a.m. on Monday, October 21.

    The closures are required to clean the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Forbes Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close from 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 to 6 a.m. on Monday, September 16 ,6 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 to 6 a.m. on Monday, September 23, and 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 to 6 a.m. on Monday, October 21.

    The closures are required to clean the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Forbes Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    Project has concluded

  • September 3, 2024

    Share September 3, 2024 on Facebook Share September 3, 2024 on Twitter Share September 3, 2024 on Linkedin Email September 3, 2024 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel and the ramp from westbound I-376 to Second Avenue (Exit 71B) will close from 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6 through 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. The closures are required to clean the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Second Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Second Avenue ramp traffic will be detoured using the ramp from westbound I-376 to Grant Street (Exit 71A).

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel and the ramp from westbound I-376 to Second Avenue (Exit 71B) will close from 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6 through 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. The closures are required to clean the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Second Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will be detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Second Avenue ramp traffic will be detoured using the ramp from westbound I-376 to Grant Street (Exit 71A).

    Project has concluded

  • August 2, 2024

    Share August 2, 2024 on Facebook Share August 2, 2024 on Twitter Share August 2, 2024 on Linkedin Email August 2, 2024 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close from 8 p.m. on Friday, August 9 through 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. Also, the ramp from westbound I-376 to Second Avenue (Exit 71B) will close from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. The closures are required for cleaning of the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Second Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Second Avenue ramp traffic will be detoured using the ramp from westbound I-376 to Grant Street (Exit 71A).

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close from 8 p.m. on Friday, August 9 through 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. Also, the ramp from westbound I-376 to Second Avenue (Exit 71B) will close from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. The closures are required for cleaning of the Armstrong Tunnel entrance and exit on the Second Avenue side.

    Inbound Armstrong Tunnel traffic will detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue. Second Avenue ramp traffic will be detoured using the ramp from westbound I-376 to Grant Street (Exit 71A).

    Project has concluded

  • May 17, 2024

    Share May 17, 2024 on Facebook Share May 17, 2024 on Twitter Share May 17, 2024 on Linkedin Email May 17, 2024 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The closure is required for electrical work to be done by Duquesne Light as part of the ongoing rehabilitation project. Traffic will detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel will close between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The closure is required for electrical work to be done by Duquesne Light as part of the ongoing rehabilitation project. Traffic will detoured using Second Avenue, Ross Street, and Forbes Avenue.

    Project has concluded

  • April 5, 2024

    Share April 5, 2024 on Facebook Share April 5, 2024 on Twitter Share April 5, 2024 on Linkedin Email April 5, 2024 link
    supporting image

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel and the stairs located near the tunnel that go from Second Avenue to the Boulevard of the Allies will reopen on Saturday, April 13. That same day, the outbound Armstrong Tunnel, including the sidewalk within it, will close. The traffic changes are part of a $13.1 million Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project.

    During the outbound tunnel closure, vehicles will be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Chatham Square, Fifth Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue. Pedestrians will be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue.

    The outbound tunnel and sidewalk are expected to reopen during summer 2025.

    The inbound Armstrong Tunnel and the stairs located near the tunnel that go from Second Avenue to the Boulevard of the Allies will reopen on Saturday, April 13. That same day, the outbound Armstrong Tunnel, including the sidewalk within it, will close. The traffic changes are part of a $13.1 million Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project.

    During the outbound tunnel closure, vehicles will be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Chatham Square, Fifth Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue. Pedestrians will be detoured using Forbes Avenue, Ross Street, and Second Avenue.

    The outbound tunnel and sidewalk are expected to reopen during summer 2025.

    Project has concluded

  • December 20, 2023

    Share December 20, 2023 on Facebook Share December 20, 2023 on Twitter Share December 20, 2023 on Linkedin Email December 20, 2023 link
    supporting image

    The Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project reached an important milestone recently. Crews began installing new custom panels along the interior walls of the inbound tunnel, replacing the deteriorated tiles that previously lined the walls.

    By the time the project is complete, 1,260 panels will have been installed in both the inbound and outbound tunnels. The new roughly 8’ x 4’ panels are non-combustible, fire-resistant calcium silicate boards that are reinforced with fibers and fillers. They are coated with Ceramicoat, which protects them from salt, exhaust fumes, oils, rubber tire dust, and other pollutants and deposits. The coating also makes the panels easy to clean with just water.

    The project remains on schedule, and the inbound tunnel is expected to reopen this winter. After the inbound tunnel reopens, crews will close the outbound tunnel and sidewalk. That closure is expected to end in summer 2025.

    The Armstrong Tunnel rehabilitation project reached an important milestone recently. Crews began installing new custom panels along the interior walls of the inbound tunnel, replacing the deteriorated tiles that previously lined the walls.

    By the time the project is complete, 1,260 panels will have been installed in both the inbound and outbound tunnels. The new roughly 8’ x 4’ panels are non-combustible, fire-resistant calcium silicate boards that are reinforced with fibers and fillers. They are coated with Ceramicoat, which protects them from salt, exhaust fumes, oils, rubber tire dust, and other pollutants and deposits. The coating also makes the panels easy to clean with just water.

    The project remains on schedule, and the inbound tunnel is expected to reopen this winter. After the inbound tunnel reopens, crews will close the outbound tunnel and sidewalk. That closure is expected to end in summer 2025.

    Project has concluded