The City of Pittsburgh's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), in conjunction with PennDOT District 11 and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, have announced their intention to close a portion of Smithfield Street and the Smithfield Street Bus Lane in the Downtown area of Pittsburgh beginning Monday, September 21, 2026.
The closure is required to allow contractors to perform full street reconstruction including the roadway, curb and sidewalk improvements related to the city's Smithfield Street Reconstruction Project.
Beginning with the start of service on Monday morning, September 21, 2026, Smithfield Street and the Smithfield Street Bus Lane between Oliver and Fifth Avenues will be closed. Once closed it is estimated the block will be closed for approximately two months before shifting to the following block, between Fifth and Forbes Avenue.
The overall project, which will alternatively close Smithfield Street between Sixth and Forbes Avenues, is expected to continue for approximately two (2) years.
Start: 09/21/2026 — End: 10/17/2026
During any occurrence that causes the cessation of service on the Monongahela Incline, whether scheduled or unscheduled in regular daily operation, and when alternative incline shuttle service is not available, Bus Traffic Operations will temporarily detour scheduled 40 Mount Washington & 43 Bailey bus trips to accommodate stranded incline passengers at the upper station of the incline.
When the incline is shut down, passengers at the lower station of the Monongahela Incline are advised to proceed to posted bus stops noted below to board the 40 Mount Washington & 43 Bailey buses as they cannot be detoured to service the lower station directly.
When alternative incline shuttle service can be provided, the detours of the 40 Mount Washington & 43 Bailey will be discontinued and both will be returned to regular route.
Start: 01/01/2026 — End: 12/31/2026
Standing Detour - Emergency Closure Of Smithfield Street Bridge
On occasion, the historic Smithfield Street Bridge, a vital link for thirteen (13) Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes and four routes for two regional transit agencies (FACT, MMVTA) as well as the bus substitution routing for buses replacing light rail service, when the bridge is compromised, either due to scheduled maintenance or emergencies, must use a lengthy and extensive detour until service over the Smithfield Street Bridge is restored.
Closures could be for heavy maintenance of the bridge by PennDOT or due to emergencies such as excessive flooding of the Monongahela River and high waters or by barge strikes on the piers of the bridge, resulting in concerns for its structural integrity until fully inspected.
This detour will be activated by default, usually by police or emergency forces closing the bridge immediately for emergencies.
Start: 01/01/2026 — End: 12/31/2026