Wilmerding commute alert: I-376 closure July 10–Aug. 3 detours

PennDOT says the I-376 (Parkway East) stretch between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and the Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) interchange will be fully closed for about 25 days while crews demolish and replace the I-376 Commercial Street Bridge.

For Wilmerding drivers who use this corridor, the practical takeaway is to plan extra time, follow the posted detours, and build in extra buffer tonight (July 15), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, when PennDOT lists explosive demolition scheduling.

What’s closing (and when Wilmerding-area drivers will see it)

PennDOT says a full closure in each direction between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and the Edgewood/Swissvale interchange will occur around-the-clock from 9:00 PM Friday, July 10 through 5:00 AM Monday, August 3 as the bridge is demolished and replaced. PennDOT also states the overall project closure runs July 10 through August 3 weather permitting.

Detours PennDOT says drivers should follow (LOCAL detour routes)

PennDOT posts multiple detour options during the closure. Below are the local detour steps PennDOT lists for each direction:

• If you’re traveling westbound I-376: Take Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77); turn left onto South Braddock Avenue; continue onto the Rankin Bridge; turn right onto Route 837 (River Road); continue onto Route 837 (8th Avenue); turn right onto the Homestead Grays Bridge; continue to Browns Hill Road; continue straight onto Beechwood Boulevard; follow signs to westbound I-376 toward Pittsburgh; take the ramp to westbound I-376 toward Pittsburgh. End detour.
• If you’re traveling eastbound I-376: Take the Squirrel Hill/Homestead (Exit 74) exit, continuing straight onto Beechwood Boulevard toward Homestead; continue straight onto Browns Hill Road; continue onto the Homestead Grays Bridge; turn left onto Route 837 (8th Avenue); continue straight on Route 837 (River Road); turn left onto the Rankin Bridge; continue onto South Braddock Avenue; bear right to merge onto eastbound I-376 toward Monroeville. End detour.

In addition to the full parkway closure, PennDOT notes that starting July 10 at 9:00 PM certain ramps will be closed and detoured through 5:00 AM Monday, August 3 to increase the flow of traffic. PennDOT also says the Squirrel Hill/Homestead (Exit 74) interchange will remain open in each direction during the closure window.

Today’s added risk: explosive demolition (6–9 PM)

PennDOT’s project updates page lists an explosive demolition scheduled for today (July 15) between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. PennDOT doesn’t guarantee what the delay pattern will look like, but you should expect additional congestion/delay risk during that window.

Where to check updates in real time

PennDOT points drivers to its specialized 511PA resources for this project. In PennDOT’s words, the dedicated 511PA page is intended to help travelers navigate congestion and view average drive times, with real-time tools that include incidents, traffic cameras, traffic speeds, and message board displays. PennDOT also says 511PA is free and available 24 hours a day.

If you drive this route for work or school, a good habit is to check 511PA before you leave, then leave enough extra time for the detour routing and ramp changes during the closure window.

Wilmerding commuter checklist for July 15 and the rest of the project

• Check 511PA before you head out—especially during the 6:00 PM–9:00 PM demolition scheduling window.
• Use PennDOT’s posted detour steps (don’t assume your usual on-ramp will work).
• Build buffer time if your trip depends on merging back onto I-376 after taking a detour.
• Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists on and near detour routes, since PennDOT warns detours can shift traffic into residential areas.

Sources

• PennDOT District 11: Reminder — I-376 (Parkway East) 25-day closure begins July 10 (detours/exits & timing)
• 511PA: Commercial St Bridge closure map/page
• WESA (90.5): Report on early demolition work during the I-376 bridge project (July 13)