Expect traffic jams — and use caution — as Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, other colleges have move-in days

Pittsburgh officials want to reminded motorists to be extra aware of their surroundings this month due to college move-ins and potential closures this weekend.

Travelers should prepare for significant traffic jams in and around Oakland as college students prepare for a new semester at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and other nearby institutions.

There will also be bridge inspections on two structures in the Oakland neighborhoods.

Partial closures of the Forbes Avenue bridge in Central Oakland, near Carnegie Mellon University, and a full closure of the Swinburne Bridge in South Oakland may occur as part of the inspection process.

Pittsburgh officials said these closures would come at a time when Oakland is already experiencing reduced access due to the closure for the Charles Anderson Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project and the closure of the Panther Hollow Bridge.

The bridge rehabilitation project has the Boulevard of the Allies closed at Parkview Avenue to accommodate reconstruction of the intersection. Traffic to Parkview Avenue will be detoured via Dawson Street and Oakland Square.

There is also a lane reduction on Fifth Avenue toward Downtown due to private construction and Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line work.

Motorists should expect congestion, delays, and detours throughout Oakland and surrounding neighborhoods.