The Federal Transit Administration has approved Port Authority of Allegheny County’s request to extend the waiver of high-occupancy vehicle restrictions on the Wabash Tunnel through December 31, 2016.
The temporary waiver allows vehicles with fewer than two occupants to use the tunnel during peak hours, alleviating congestion on other roads.
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald initially announced the waiver in November 2013, as a way to alleviate traffic concerns due to the West Carson Street project. Last year, the FTA granted Port Authority an extension through August 31, 2016.
More recently, the Authority applied for and received a second extension to help mitigate possible traffic delays caused by the Liberty Bridge Rehabilitation Project, which began last month.
The Wabash Tunnel opened as a commuter tunnel in December 2004. It provides a shortcut for motorists from Route 51 to the South Side and Downtown Pittsburgh, though it is not used by Port Authority buses or light rail vehicles.
