McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge to Close for 25 Days for Preservation Work

The nearly century-old bridge will undergo a $50 million project with two major closures over the next few years.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge in Pennsylvania will be closed for 25 days starting on March 14, 2026, for preservation work as part of a $50 million project that will last until 2028. The closure will significantly impact commute times in the area, raising concerns from local residents about access to the hospital and other essential services.

Why it matters

The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge is a critical transportation link in the region, and its closure will disrupt the daily lives of many residents who rely on it. The preservation work is necessary to maintain the nearly 100-year-old bridge, but the extended closures raise concerns about the impact on the community.

The details

During the 25-day closure from March 14 to April 7, 2026, crews will paint the bridge, repair concrete, modify the deck, make lighting upgrades, and more. PennDOT plans to keep one lane open in both directions, except for intermittent 15-minute stoppages, and will provide shuttle service for pedestrians. A second, longer closure of 99 days is scheduled for June to mid-September 2028.

  • The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge will be closed for 25 days starting on March 14, 2026.
  • A second closure of 99 days is scheduled for June to mid-September 2028.

The players

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for the bridge's maintenance and preservation work.

Anisah Pirl

A local resident who expressed concerns about the bridge closure's impact on her daily commute and access to the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a little frustrated. Yeah, it's worrying. It's going to be hard for me, because I live in Rankin and I go through the bridge every day.”

— Anisah Pirl (cbsnews.com)

“If you're gonna be closed for that long, emergencies happen every day. So, how are we gonna get other people to the hospital so they can get the proper care they need?”

— Anisah Pirl (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

If it goes as planned, the bridge will fully reopen to traffic in mid-September 2028, just after the 100th anniversary of its opening in 1928.

The takeaway

The closure of the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge highlights the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and the need to balance necessary preservation work with the impact on the local community. As the bridge approaches its centennial, this project will ensure its continued use for years to come, but the extended closures will require careful planning and communication to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses.