Coast Guard to Close Parts of Pittsburgh Rivers During NFL Draft

Security zones will be in effect on the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers from April 23-25.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Pittsburgh skyline and its three rivers - the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela - broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the disruption to the city's waterways during the NFL draft event.The temporary closure of Pittsburgh's rivers during the NFL draft exposes the complex logistical challenges of hosting major events in urban waterfront areas.Today in Pittsburgh

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced it will prohibit all boat traffic on parts of Pittsburgh's three rivers - the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela - during the upcoming NFL draft event from April 23-25. The security zones are being implemented to ensure public safety and protect event participants.

Why it matters

Pittsburgh's three rivers are a popular recreational area for boaters, fishermen, and other water enthusiasts. The temporary closures will disrupt normal river activities and access for locals and visitors during the high-profile NFL draft weekend.

The details

The Coast Guard's security zones will be in effect from midnight on April 23 through 11:59 pm on April 25. On the Ohio River, the no-access zone runs from mile marker 0 to 0.5, near the Rivers Casino and before the West End Bridge. On the Allegheny River, the zone is from mile marker 0 to 0.6, at the Roberto Clemente Bridge. And on the Monongahela River, the security space extends from mile marker 0 to 0.3, at the Fort Pitt Bridge. Boaters will need to contact the Coast Guard to request permission to pass through the restricted areas, but access is not guaranteed.

  • The security zones will be in effect from April 23 at 12:00 AM through April 25 at 11:59 PM.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection agency of the United States.

Tom Opferman

A local Pittsburgh resident who enjoys recreational activities on the city's rivers.

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What they’re saying

“I'll just have to find some way to go up that way and fish.”

— Tom Opferman, Resident

What’s next

Boaters will need to contact the Coast Guard in advance to request permission to access the restricted river areas during the NFL draft event, though access is not guaranteed.

The takeaway

The temporary river closures highlight the logistical challenges of hosting major events like the NFL draft in urban areas with active waterways. While necessary for public safety, the restrictions will disrupt normal recreational activities for local residents and visitors during the high-profile draft weekend.