Road closures for the Pittsburgh Marathon will begin as early as Friday, affecting traffic throughout Downtown Pittsburgh. Thousands of runners are expected to hit the streets this Sunday, with preliminary closures starting at noon on the Boulevard of the Allies.
The marathon course winds through 14 neighborhoods, showcasing the city’s vibrant communities from the West End Bridge to Homewood. It’s not just a marathon—there’s also a 5K race and the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, both adding to the excitement and logistical challenges.
Key closure times:
- Friday: Road closures start at noon on Boulevard of the Allies between Wood Street and Stanwix Street.
- Saturday: Closures for the 5K and Kids Marathon begin at 6:45 a.m.
- Sunday: Main marathon closures start at 1:45 a.m. and are expected to last until about 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday evening: Boulevard of the Allies is scheduled to reopen around 6:30 p.m.
Troy Schooley from P3R emphasizes that as soon as the last runner crosses the third mile, they’ll begin reopening sections of road—”It’s kind of a rolling opening,” he said. This means that while some areas will be closed for hours, others will open up gradually throughout the day.
To avoid any complications, officials are urging residents to pay close attention to no parking signs posted along closed streets. Vehicles parked in violation will be towed, which is something no one wants during such a festive weekend.
While many are excited about the events, there’s still uncertainty regarding how traffic patterns will shift and how quickly roads can be cleared post-race. Local businesses may also feel an impact due to altered access during peak hours.