New Waterfront PRT stops start June 21; plan for July I‑376 closure
PRT starts new pickup/drop-off stops at The Waterfront in Homestead on June 21. PennDOT’s I‑376 (Parkway East) closes July 10.
Riders heading to The Waterfront in Homestead will have a new way to board starting Sunday, June 21, 2026. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is changing where buses stop on the shopping-center property and how pickup and drop-off will work there.
Later this summer, commuters should brace for major delays: PennDOT is preparing a full closure of I‑376 (Parkway East) for the Commercial Street Bridge replacement, tentatively July 10 through Aug. 3 (about 25 days).
Two changes, starting on different dates
June 21: the bus-stop layout at The Waterfront changes, replacing stops previously near Target and Giant Eagle.
July 10: PennDOT’s tentative full closure of I‑376 (Parkway East) begins—part of the Commercial Street Bridge replacement—running through Aug. 3.
What changes at The Waterfront (Homestead) on June 21
PRT says the new Waterfront stop configuration is built around a pickup-only and drop-off-only setup at new locations on the property. Instead of assuming buses will stop in the same curb areas as before, riders should plan to use the updated stop locations.
Pickup-only area (Target-side): the stop near Target becomes a pick-up only stop located between Giant Eagle and Target.
Drop-off-only area (Giant Eagle pharmacy-side): the stop in front of Giant Eagle’s pharmacy relocates to the side of the building and becomes a drop-off only stop.
Practical takeaway: If you typically board or exit at the same curb location you used before June 21, the layout will be different. Re-check trip planning and stop locations before heading out.
Which PRT routes serve the new Waterfront stops
PRT says the updated stops at The Waterfront will be served by these routes:
- 53
- 53L
- 57
- 59
- 61D
- 64
What to expect during the I‑376 (Parkway East) closure
PennDOT’s District 11 project toolkit says the Commercial Street Bridge project will require a full closure of I‑376 Parkway East for approximately 25 consecutive days using Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques.
- Dates: tentative July 10–Aug. 3, 2026 (*dates subject to change)
- Where: I‑376 between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)
PennDOT also warns to expect heavy delays and significant congestion, and it reminds drivers and riders to use 511PA/511 and project alerts for updates because the closure dates are tentative.
WESA likewise reports that buses can get caught in detour traffic during the Parkway East closure period—even if your route usually runs smoothly—so it’s best not to assume travel times will hold steady.
How to plan (especially if you commute to work or school)
- For June 21 Waterfront trips: use the updated PRT pickup/drop-off areas and double-check the stop location for your route.
- For the July 10–Aug. 3 window: build in extra buffer time, because PennDOT expects heavy delays and significant congestion.
- Consider alternatives: if you’re driving, carpooling and route alternatives may help. If you’re transit commuting, consider strategies that reduce your exposure to peak bottlenecks.
- Check updates: because PennDOT’s dates are tentative, confirm the latest alerts before trips during the closure window.
For riders, June 21 is the immediate on-the-ground adjustment at The Waterfront. For everyone commuting in the region, the bigger traffic test begins with the tentative mid-July I‑376 closure.
Sources
- PRT Construction Newshub (PRT): 'PRT to Begin Serving New Bus Stops at The Waterfront' (June 18, 2026 release)
- WESA (90.5): 'Waterfront bus stops secured, while incoming I-376 congestion looms' (June 24, 2026)
- PennDOT District 11: Commercial Street Bridge Replacement Toolkit (project travel/closure guidance)
- WPXI: 'New bus stops coming to Waterfront Shopping Center' (June 18, 2026)
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