Part of Route 28 near Harmar Township closed due to rock slide

PennDOT monitoring the area for potential additional debris as thaw continues

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A rock slide on Tuesday night has forced the closure of one southbound lane of Route 28 near Harmar Township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. PennDOT is concerned about the potential for additional rocks and debris to come down the slope as the winter thaw continues, and is monitoring the area closely.

Why it matters

Route 28 is a major artery through the Pittsburgh region, and the closure of a lane is expected to cause significant traffic delays. Rock slides are a persistent issue along this stretch of highway, raising ongoing safety concerns for drivers.

The details

PennDOT engineers inspected the site on Wednesday and found that there may be one more loose rock above the slide area. They are also worried that as icicles on the slope melt, it could trigger additional material to come down. For now, PennDOT is keeping the lane closed to clear the debris and ensure public safety. The agency says there are no plans to expand the fencing that was installed after a similar slide in 2020, but they continue to monitor key areas prone to these issues.

  • The rock slide occurred on Tuesday night.
  • PennDOT engineers inspected the site on Wednesday.

The players

Randy Flick

A Verona resident who regularly drives on Route 28 and is concerned about the potential for rock slides.

Lori Musto

PennDOT District 11 Assistant Executive of Maintenance, who is overseeing the response to the rock slide.

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which is responsible for maintaining and monitoring Route 28.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“[Route 28's] a main artery through here, and when they have to close one lane down, it's pretty significant.”

— Randy Flick, Verona resident (cbsnews.com)

“There does appear to be possibly one more rock that could be loose up above.”

— Lori Musto, PennDOT District 11 Assistant Executive of Maintenance (cbsnews.com)

“There are some icicles that still need to melt up high on the slope. And when those icicles, when the melting does occur, they're worried that it could trigger some additional material to come down.”

— Lori Musto, PennDOT District 11 Assistant Executive of Maintenance (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

PennDOT will continue to monitor the area and assess the need for any additional safety measures as the winter thaw progresses.

The takeaway

Rock slides are an ongoing challenge for PennDOT along Route 28, requiring constant vigilance and a proactive approach to ensure the safety of drivers. This latest incident highlights the importance of maintaining critical transportation infrastructure and addressing potential hazards before they cause significant disruptions.