Inbound Armstrong Tunnel to Reopen, Outbound Tunnel to Close Tomorrow
Published on April 12, 2024
PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works announced that 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, 2024. That same day, the outbound Armstrong Tunnel, including the sidewalk within it, will close. That closure is expected to end in spring 2025. 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 Armstrong Tunnel, which provides a vital connection between Second Avenue and Forbes Avenue, is used by an average of 11,039 vehicles daily. Its rehabilitation is necessary to extend its life and to ensure driver and pedestrian safety within it. Inspections prior to the project indicated that deterioration of the tunnel’s concrete, ceramic tile liner, and lighting fixtures needed to be addressed and that its safety systems should be brought up to current standards.
The rehabilitation project began on March 4, 2023. The work includes 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.
When the tunnels reopen, they will have a new lane configuration that is intended to slow traffic and improve safety. Currently, there are two 10-foot-wide lanes with no shoulders in each 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. Additionally, the current 3-foot, 9-inch sidewalk adjacent to the outbound tunnel will be widened to 6 feet, 3 inches except at its entrances.
The project is being done by Mosites Construction Company of Robinson. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is paying 80% of the cost, and Allegheny County is paying 20%. Of the federal funding, $1.25 million is coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is providing oversight of the federal funding.
The 1,298-foot-long tunnel opened in 1927. It is named in honor of former County Commissioner and Pittsburgh Mayor Joseph G. Armstrong and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was last rehabilitated between 1989 and 1991.
Media inquiries may be directed to Brent Wasko, Public Information Officer for the Department of Public Works
brent.wasko@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-2451 or 412-577-6175 (cell).