5-month closure of Route 88 near Route 51 now in effect

PITTSBURGH — A five-month-long closure of Route 88 near Route 51 began Monday evening.

The major closure, which will affect the nearly 42,000 vehicles that use the roadway daily, began at 7 p.m., shutting down the northbound lanes between Tarrif Street and Route 51.

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The Tuesday morning commute was the first big test for drivers, and many were not prepared.

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PennDOT officials said the purpose of the closure is to allow workers to do a major reconfiguration and reconstruction at the intersection of Route 88, or Library Road, and Route 51.

All northbound traffic will be detoured during the span of the project.

Below is the posted detour along the route:

• Take Route 88 (Library Road) southbound to Connor Road (Route 3038)
• Turn right onto Connor Road and follow to Washington Road (Route 19)
• Turn right onto Washington Road (Route 19)
• At the split with Cochran Road (Route 19), continue straight on Washington Road (Truck 19/Route 3069)
• Washington Road becomes West Liberty Avenue
• Follow West Liberty Avenue to Route 51
• End detour

PennDOT officials said Hillview Street will close to traffic between Route 51 and Kingwood Street during the same time frame for roadway and culvert reconstruction.

Additionally, the staircase along Hillview Street will close.

Pedestrian traffic will use a temporary crossing on Route 88, and all other traffic will be directed to use the following detour:

• Take Kingwood Street to Homehurst Avenue
• Follow Homehurst Avenue to 6th Street
• Turn right onto 6th Street and follow to Route 88 (Library Road)
• Turn left onto southbound Route 88
• Turn right onto Connor Road (Route 3038) and follow to Washington Road (Route 19)
• Turn right onto Washington Road (Route 19)
• At the split with Cochran Road (Route 19), continue straight on Washington Road (Truck 19/Route 3069)
• Washington Road becomes West Liberty Avenue
• Follow West Liberty Avenue to Route 51
• End detour

Bridge replacement work and the construction of a new retaining wall along Saw Mill Run will also occur during the long-term closure.

Access to businesses in the work zone area will be accommodated, PennDOT officials said.

WPXI