- March 30th, 2011
- 9 Comments
PennDOT District 11 is reminding motorists about the benefits and rules of using the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) and I-579 (Veterans Bridge) in Allegheny County.
The HOV lanes, located in the median of the I-279 and I-579, are open to commuters in vehicles with two or more passengers Monday through Friday between 6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. HOV lanes promote carpools and vanpools, which help to conserve fuel, time, and reduce congestion on other roadways. Motorcycles are also allowed to use the HOV lanes and are not subject to the two passenger vehicle rule.
Motorists may also be surprised to learn the HOV lanes are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two passenger vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours. To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following Pirates, Steelers, Penguins, and Panther games and other events on weekends.
Access points
PennDOT has strategically located access points to the HOV lanes around Allegheny County to promote use during daily rush hour commutes:
Inbound
– Entrances:
§ I-279 South near the Perrysville Avenue Interchange
§ North Hills Park and Ride lot
§ McKnight Road
– Exits
§ Anderson Street
§ Stadium Drive
§ I-279 South between Madison Avenue and Route 65
§ Bedford Avenue
Outbound
– Entrances
§ Bedford Avenue
§ Stadium Drive
§ Anderson Street
– Exits
§ McKnight Road
§ North Hills Park and Ride Lot
§ I-279 North near the Perrysville Interchange
The 5.3 mile reversible direction HOVs opened in 1989. The Pittsburgh region has the only HOV lane in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Motorists are advised to use caution and expect changing traffic patterns when traveling through the area. Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.
Media Contact: Jim Struzzi, Press Officer
(412) 429-5010 (Office)
(412) 292-9357 (Cell Phone)
www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh
Source: PennDOT Engineering District 11
Is the HOV lane open to anyone durring todays Pirates game to get out of the city?
It would be cool if you allowed Hybrid solo drivers on the HOV lane as well.
I take the HOV lane every day, I wish there was a way to make sure they where open before I got to them. Also if there was an way to get on them when you where already on the highway going north would make it a lot easier.
I would love to see the HOV lanes opened up to hybrid and electric vehicles. Allowing electric cars would alleviate traffic and promote the usage of more environmentally-friendly vehicles. If motorcycles and high occupancy vehicles are allowed because they are more environmentally friendly methods of transportation, I believe electric cars should be as well.
I have seen the outbound lane open on weekdays after 7pm, does the two passenger rule apply outside of the 3-7pm time period on a weekday?
Let's turn it into tracks and extend it to 422 and the existing T out to the airport. That will solve a lot of the congestion issues for sure
Given the number of people moving to the north hills recently, I'm still stunned that usage is declining on this HOV lane. Perhaps it should be converted to a left-lane HOV in both directions like in DC, LA, and Toronto and other cities.
NOT a good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use the HOV lanes on a daily basis and I feel that I mamalready taking my life in my hands with 2 lanes of traffic becasue of the people who think they are special and the 2 person rule does not apply to them. They fly out those lanes at speeds of 80 miles per hr or better sometimes so they can get off the exits before they are discovered.
Have called PENDOT SOOOOO many times and they do NOTHING about it.
You're the grteaest! JMHO