It took two years and $13.1 million, but the rehabilitation of the Armstrong Tunnel has resulted in brighter portals with one lane of traffic instead of two, improved drainage, a wider sidewalk, an island to make it easier to cross on Forbes Avenue and turning lanes at each end to improve the flow of traffic.
Allegheny County held a news conference Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the project and the reopening of both sides of the tunnel for the morning rush hour Thursday. Instead of the dark, foreboding appearance the tunnel had for decades, the refurbished facility is welcoming with bright lights, reflective white stainless-steel panels on the walls, and new electrical and fire detection and suppression systems in the 1,298-foot portals.
At least one side of the tunnel – and sometimes both – has been closed since March 2023 for the improvement project. Everything but the new pedestrian walkway will be open Thursday because Duquesne University construction above Forbes Avenue near the tunnel entrance will continue until September.
“Welcome to the new and improved Armstrong Tunnel,” Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said to open the event at the tunnel’s Forbes Avenue entrance. “[This has meant] a lot of construction and a lot of inconvenience, so we appreciate your patience.”
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, noted the project was paid for with 80% federal and 20% county funds with oversight from the state Department of Transportation.
“This is what happens when everybody comes together,” Lee said. “This [project] is for everyone, not just the few.”
State Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, described the tunnel’s previous appearance as “gloomy.”
“As you see it now, it’s looking good,” he said.
Jason Molinero, the county’s deputy director of public works, said in an interview the new lights and wall panels were key to improving the tunnel’s appearance. There also were important improvements that 11,000 drivers who use the tunnel every day won’t necessarily see, he said, such as closed-circuit cameras, a heat detection system for fires and other emergencies and cleaning overhead drains to prevent water from dripping onto the surface and freezing in the winter.
Said Stephen Shanley, the county’s public works director, “It’s a brighter tunnel and a safer tunnel,” s
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.