Here is the best bicycling route option for getting around the Commercial St and Nine Mile Run Trail closure
PennDOT is in the process of replacing the Commercial St Bridge that carries 376 over Frick Park. It’s a very complicated project, and they are now ready to install the new bridge. However, this means that they need to again close some streets and trails around the construction. The nature of the construction requires a full closure as there are serious safety issues and worksite hazards.
PennDOT plans to close not only Commercial St and the Nine Mile Run Trail again, but also I-376 itself. Starting on July 10 through August 3, we can expect a 25-day full closure and detour of these roads. The overall project is anticipated to conclude in the summer of 2027.
No, really, stay away from the construction site.
This closure is the real deal, as there will be demolition of the old bridge and the sliding of the new bridge into place. PennDOT understandably wants to be sure to keep people safe, so please avoid the area and respect road and trail closures.
Bicycle detour around the closure
What this closure means is that Nine Mile Run Trail users will still be able to use the trail, but will not be able to connect between the north and south halves of the trail at Commercial St, as you would need to cross the construction site to do so. From the South (Duck Hollow) trail users will be able to access the parking lot on Commercial St, but will need to turn around or continue up the significant climb eastbound on Commercial to Swisshelm Park. From the north (Frick Park), users will be able to get to Commercial, but again, will either need to turn around, or continue up and climb westbound on Commercial to Squirrel Hill.
There will also be times where nobody will be allowed in the surrounding area for safety reasons
For those who use Nine Mile Run for bike commuting between Browns Hill Rd and the East End, we recommend avoiding the area all together. This can be done fairly reasonably using Parkview Blvd through Summerset at Frick and over to Commercial St (see above map).
The difference this time is that 376 itself will be closed, so riders should expect additional automobile traffic on local roads around the closure and along the highway corridor in general.
We’d like to stress, again, that it’s important to respect the road and construction closure for this project as it can be very dangerous to cross the site, so please plan ahead and use our Pittsburgh Bike Map to help you with a route.
NEWSLETTER