7-Month Closure Hits Findlay as County Roadwork Begins | The Locally Times
McClaren Road in Findlay will close for seven months, while projects in East Deer and Pittsburgh will bring shorter-term disruptions starting April 6.
Commuters, brace yourselves: a major artery in Findlay will vanish from maps for seven months, kicking off a spring of significant roadwork across Allegheny County. Starting April 6, 2026, the Department of Public Works will launch three major projects, including a full road closure in Findlay expected to last through October, alongside other closures and lane restrictions affecting routes in East Deer and Pittsburgh. ## Extended Closures Begin in Findlay and East Deer The longest and most impactful closure will hit Findlay, where McClaren Road will shut down between Sabre Road and Resurrection Road. The full closure, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, is expected to last until October 2026 – a seven-month disruption for local traffic. This extensive closure is necessary to replace McClaren’s Run Bridge No. The department emphasized this work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the county's bridge network. Meanwhile, East Deer residents will see a portion of Baileys Run Road (the 500 block) close on the same day, April 6, at 9 a.m. This shorter closure is slated to conclude in June 2026. The Department of Public Works outlined comprehensive work for Baileys Run Road, including constructing a retaining wall, drainage improvements, roadway repairs, and new pavement markings. This multi-faceted project aims to enhance the safety and longevity of this section of the road, according to the March 23 announcement. ## Lane Restrictions Affect Pittsburgh Commutes Pittsburgh commuters will also face disruptions, with lane closures on Browns Hill Road beginning Monday, April 6, 2026. These restrictions will affect the stretch between Beechwood Boulevard/Hazelwood Avenue and the Homestead Grays Bridge, with work expected to conclude by May 2026. The Department of Public Works detailed the work as roadway joint repairs and pavement marking installation. While not a full closure, these lane restrictions will undoubtedly cause traffic slowdowns and require drivers to exercise caution in the affected corridor, as stated in the March 23 press release. ## Preparing for Travel Adjustments With three concurrent projects underway, residents across Allegheny County must prepare for altered travel times and potential detours. The seven-month closure of McClaren Road demands significant long-term alternative route planning for those traversing Findlay and its surrounding areas. Similarly, commuters in East Deer and Pittsburgh should anticipate adjustments to their daily routes during the shorter-term projects on Baileys Run Road and Browns Hill Road. Drivers are strongly advised to allow extra travel time and actively seek alternative routes throughout the construction periods. The Department of Public Works' March 23 announcements serve as a critical heads-up for residents to prepare for these widespread changes. ## Why the Disruption? Investing in the Future While inconvenient, these extensive road and bridge projects underscore the county's ongoing commitment to critical infrastructure maintenance. The McClaren’s Run Bridge No. 7 replacement addresses a specific, urgent structural need, while the Baileys Run Road project tackles multiple facets of road integrity, from drainage to retaining wall construction. Even the Browns Hill Road lane closures are key, focusing on essential roadway joint repairs. These efforts, championed by the Allegheny County Department of Public Works, are designed to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the county's key transportation network, ultimately benefiting all residents. ## Key Questions **Which roads are closing?** McClaren Road in Findlay will close, and part of Baileys Run Road in East Deer will close. Browns Hill Road in Pittsburgh will have lane closures. **How long will the closures last?** McClaren Road is expected to be closed until October 2026. Baileys Run Road is expected to close until June 2026. Browns Hill Road lane closures are expected to end in May 2026. **Who is responsible for these projects?** The Allegheny County Department of Public Works announced these projects via press releases.