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) is temporarily closed so that professional geotechnical contractors deployed by the Regional Trail Corporation can perform and complete 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 was originally scheduled to reopen on August 6. However, the geotechnical engineers require additional time and equipment to address a challenging section of this hillside. The Regional Trail Corporation will keep this segment closure in place pending input and recommendations from additional geotechnical engineers’ evaluations. There is no posted detour. (Of note to those thinking about riding PA-837 as an alternative, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has listed it as containing one of the ten most dangerous sections of road in Allegheny County.)
The Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy arranged for licensed shuttle service to provide transportation for GAP travelers (including bicyclists and their bicycles) between Duquesne and Homestead between July 10 and October 31. That daily service is now concluded.
From November 1 onward, we recommend that you initiate, arrange in advance and hire a shuttle from among services listed at https://gaptrail.org/where-to-go/sites-amenities/shuttles/. The closest service to this segment closure is Bill’s Car and Transport, based in Pittsburgh.
Alternatively, travelers may wish to consider Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s bus service using its 59 or 61C routes.
For context, 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.