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Starting Wednesday Night, Inbound Liberty Tunnel to Close Until Aug. 30

The inbound Liberty Tunnel will close around-the-clock Wednesday at 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Aug. 30.

Crews are working to replace the concrete arch at the exit of the tunnel. The concrete arch wall at the ventilation shaft in the middle of the tunnel will also be replaced.

This is a continuation of the $18.8 million phase four reconstruction project. Liberty Tunnel outbound has been closed from July 26 to last Monday.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said the department doesn't know when the final stage of the reconstruction project will be scheduled.

“The fifth phase has not been funded yet,” Cowan said. “With the situation of transportation funding in Pennsylvania, it’s unclear with that fifth phase will actually begin.”

Drivers are advised to follow the official posted detour:

  • At the tunnel, take Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) north
  • Take the ramp toward I-376 West/South Route 19 (Carnegie/Airport/West End)
  • Bear left to South Route 19 (Banksville Road)
  • Bear left to east I-376 (Parkway West)
  • Follow I-376 Parkway West eastbound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel
  • Bear right onto eastbound I-376 Parkway East
  • Take the Parkway East to Grant Street (Exit 71-A)
  • From Grant Street, make a right onto Boulevard of the Allies (Route 885)
  • Take Boulevard of the Allies east to Liberty Bridge and Tunnels

Cowan is urging motorists to take extra precaution while navigating around the tunnel.
“Please be safe when encountering the detour routes for this next phase of work with the inbound closure,” Cowan said. “Allow yourself some additional time, and if you’re familiar with the region always look for an alternate route.”

Liberty Tunnel outbound will remain closed overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the inbound closure.

About 45,000 vehicles use the Liberty Tunnels every day.

The Erie, PA native has been a fellow in the WESA news department since May 2013. Having earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Duquesne University, he is now pursuing an M.A. in multi-media management. Michael describes his career aspiration as "I want to do it all in journalism."