Fans traveling to the Penguins’ home opener Thursday should build extra time into their trip because of construction in the city and around PPG Paints Arena.
PennDOT has closed a ramp from Interstate 579 to Seventh Avenue for construction of a “cap” over the interstate, also known as Crosstown Boulevard. Traffic is being detoured to a ramp for Centre Avenue and PPG Paints Arena.
PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said the Centre Avenue ramp could become congested.
“The issue is that the Centre Avenue ramp to PPG Paints Arena is a detour route and you could see an increased usage of that ramp,” he said. “My suggestion would be to give yourself extra time or look for an alternate route.”
In addition, the nearby Boulevard of the Allies from Downtown to Oakland is restricted to a single lane for paving, and fans could hit heavy traffic there after the game, he said.
PennDOT also plans single-lane restrictions on the West End Bridge from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday and Friday nights so crews can wash the bridge.
