Long-term road closure planned
The state Department of Transportation is planning a long-term closure of northbound Route 88 (Library Road) at the intersection with Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) in Pittsburgh that will begin Monday, weather permitting, and last more than four months.
Starting at 7 p.m. Monday, northbound Route 88 will close to traffic between Tariff Street and Route 51 for roadway reconstruction. All northbound Route 88 traffic will be detoured.
According to spokesman Steve Cowan, the posted detour will direct motorists to take Library Road south and turn right onto Connor Road and follow it to turn right onto Washington Road (Route 19). At the split with Cochran Road, continue straight on Washington Road, which becomes West Liberty Avenue, and then back to Route 51.
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. Police officers will be positioned at Route 88 and Tariff Street.
Glenbury Street at the intersection with Route 51, however, will reopen to traffic. Also, a dedicated right-hand turn lane from southbound Route 51 to southbound Route 88 will open to traffic.
The work is part of the $18.99 million Route 51/88 project, which includes the replacement of five bridges, construction of a new bridge, turning lane construction, roadway reconstruction, utility relocation, signal upgrades, lighting, sidewalk and drainage improvements, CCTV cameras and stream bank restoration. Additionally, demolition and jug handle work have occurred. Four lanes of traffic on Route 51 will be maintained during peak travel times. About 42,000 vehicles use Route 51 on an average day.