WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — The road around Century III Mall that connects two major South Hills roadways has shut down to all traffic.
West Mifflin Borough said the private access road between Clairton Road and Route 51 is closed from the intersection of Century III Mall Boulevard and Clairton Road to the entrance of the UPMC Outpatient Center.
West Mifflin Borough Manager Brian Kamauf said he’s not surprised by the sudden closure of the road.
“The road is privately owned by Century III Mall, so we don’t have any jurisdiction over closing it and opening it,” Kamauf said.
He said the road and the mall have been a hazard to people in the area.
“It’s frustrating with traffic on that end. Like what’s going to happen to the traffic and the individuals?” Kamauf asked. “The mall itself has been a frustration for several years with the slow collapse of it and the closing, and now the demolishing of it. So, the general area has been a little bit of an issue for the bureau for the past couple years.”
The short road offers drivers quick access from Clairton Road (Route 885) to Route 51, especially during a time of heavy construction.
“I mean, it’s necessary because the road has so many holes in it, but I feel like they should fix it up instead of just closing it down because a lot of people take that way,” said Taylor Mclen. She said she would have liked more notice.
Channel 11 saw many cars turning around, confused, and ultimately needing to find another way through. But Century III Mall Road is privately owned, meaning they are not required to stay open or notify the public in any way.
“I tried to go that way to work to my job in Pleasant Hills. So, I’m like now I have to go all the way back around,” Mclen said. “I had to come back up the hill go around. I wish they would have told us or send letters out or something.”
The borough advises drivers to allow extra travel time with other roadwork going on in the area, including the months-long Route 51 crossover project that just got underway and lane restrictions on Lebanon Church Road.
“I think my little 15-minute ride turned into, like, a 35-minute ride,” Mclen said.
Channel 11 reached out to Century III Mall for comment on their reason for closing the road but have yet to hear back. In the meantime, Tech One has also closed a portion of Mountain View Drive in order to help steer traffic away from the closed road.
Alternate routes include N Lewis Run Road and driving around on Lebanon Church Road.
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