Beginning the evening of July 9, a two-mile segment of the Great Allegheny Passage between the Whitaker Flyover (approximately mile marker 136) and the Port Perry Flyover (approximately mile marker 138) will be temporarily closed so that professional geotechnical contractors deployed by the Regional Trail Corporation can perform preventative rock scaling work along a steep hillside that is susceptible to rockfall, downed trees and landslides. Rock scaling removes loose or potentially unstable material that might dislodge or affect falling rock. It is an effective process that is considered periodic maintenance for slopes that pose a potential rockfall hazard.
This segment of the GAP will remain closed until August 6. There is no detour.
The Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy has arranged for a licensed shuttle service to provide transportation for GAP travelers (including bicyclists and their bicycles) between Duquesne and Homestead, starting on the morning of July 10. The service is intended to assist those seeking to safely bypass the segment closure. The service will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week, until the rock scaling project is complete. The shuttle fee is $20/person (cash is preferred but credit cards are accepted). The shuttle will be first-come, first-served, but may deviate in order to accommodate families traveling together. A one-way shuttle ride is anticipated to take approximately 16-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
On the eastern end, the shuttle service will use the official, GAP-branded trail access area in Duquesne, which is at 20 Library Place, Duquesne, PA 15110, and approximately mile marker 135.3. On the western end, the shuttle service will use the official, GAP-branded trail access area at the Waterfront, which is at 191 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120, and approximately mile marker 140.5. (This is NOT the Pump House parking lot, which is privately owned.)
Alternatively, travelers may wish to consider Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s bus service using its 59 or 61C routes.
This section of the GAP, below Kennywood Park and PA-837, has experienced several rockfalls and landslides throughout the years. The Regional Trail Corporation has been working with several engineering groups and organizations to evaluate this steep slope, identify solutions, determine the cost of remediation, and plan the best way forward. Estimates are approximately $8 million for repairs and remediation. To date, it has secured $4.3 million, which has enabled this rock scaling project, a similar project in 2025, as well as the planning, engineering, and permitting for an eventual long-term remediation solution.