PennDOT has temporarily lifted the occupancy requirement on the outbound High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on Interstate 279 and I-579 because of ongoing utility work near the HOV lane entrance in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The occupancy requirement of at least two people per vehicle was lifted Wednesday, allowing motorists traveling alone to use the outbound HOV lane while utility work is occurring, according to PennDOT’s District 11, which includes Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties.

The outbound lane will be open to more motorists through late February, PennDOT said. Utility work is underway near the intersection of Washington Place, Bedford Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard.

The outbound HOV lane entrance begins at that intersection. Drivers can also enter at Bedford Avenue and Logan Street.

PennDOT said the inbound HOV lane will continue to enforce its occupancy requirement. The inbound lane exits in Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

The I-279 and I-579 HOV lane runs from Pittsburgh to Ross in the North Hills. It runs down the middle of I-279, also known as the Parkway North, before splintering at I-579. The lane switches from inbound use to outbound use to accommodate rush hour traffic and to encourage ride sharing via carpooling, van pooling or public transportation.

Buses also use the HOV lane. Trucks are not permitted.

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