The Department of Public Works announced today 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. 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.
“We’re excited to reach the halfway point of this much-needed project, and very much appreciate our partners for their efforts in getting us this far,” County Executive Sara Innamorato said. “Properly maintaining our infrastructure is so important to keeping us moving, creating jobs, and improving our quality of life, and drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will all benefit from the many safety and lighting upgrades being made within the tunnel. I can’t wait to be back here next year to celebrate the completion of this project.”
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.
“We’re extremely proud of the work that has been done so far as part of this project,” Public Works Director Stephen Shanley, P.E., said. “A project of his scope could not be completed without the many contributions of our partners at the federal and state level as well as the hard work done by our contractors and in-house staff. We are very truly thankful for their efforts.”
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.