As necessary, or during emergencies including but not limited to routine maintenance, power failures negating gate operation, or traffic emergencies, PennDOT and its forces may opt to not open the I-279 HOV Lanes between various ramps at Perrysville, McKnight, and the North Side or Downtown. During major snows, the I-279 HOV Lane will also be the last priority to be cleaned or treated during interstate snow maintenance and may routinely be closed during those times. Closure of the I-279 HOV Lanes affects multiple Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Butler Transit and New Castle Transit routes to and from northern communities and counties. Any planned or emergency closure will affect the lanes inbound from 6:00 AM each weekday morning to 10:00 AM, and from 3:30 PM each weekday evening through the remainder of the night (2:00 AM). Weekend and holiday closures, when the I-279 HOV runs outbound all day Saturday, Sunday or holidays can also be affected. When emergency or planned closures of the I-279 HOV Lanes are announced by PennDOT or occur unexpectedly, the following detours are to be used upon notification of Bus Traffic Operations. Regular route will return upon announcement of normal HOV operation by PennDOT.
Start: 01/01/2026 — End: 12/31/2026
PennDOT District 11 has announced their intent to implement a new traffic pattern from northbound I-579 to northbound I-279 which will restrict access to the Ross Park and Ride from the I-279 HOV lanes.
The new traffic configuration is anticipated to be fully implemented by noon on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Beginning with the start of service Monday morning, September 15, 2025 bus access to the Ross Park and Ride will be restricted to Perry Highway (US-19). Once in place, the restriction will remain until further notice.
Start: 09/12/2025 — End: 12/25/2049