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Parkway East bridge project could reopen early

Rain remains the biggest obstacle to an early reopening, PennDOT says.

News

<figure><img alt="A time lapse video of a highway bridge sliding into place over a ravine with green hills in the background." height="444" id="75c33f9e-6c23-4b35-951a-e2e85b5a3d59" src="https://images.axios.com/jYDzSDXWeXJ-7W1hGG77bdLIGNE=/2026/07/20/1784568810516.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Timelapse video of PennDOT live stream of Commercial Street Bridge sliding into place on Sunday. GIF: Courtesy of Reddit user mr_never_lift</figcaption></figure>The Parkway East could reopen as early as the middle of next week if everything goes to plan, PennDOT officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/parkway-east-penndot-early-opening-commercial-street-bridge-replacement/" data-vars-content-id="89706df3-a09c-48b8-897b-1a63663cee19" data-vars-headline="Parkway East bridge project could reopen early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/parkway-east-penndot-early-opening-commercial-street-bridge-replacement/" target="_blank">said</a> Monday.Why it matters: That would mean the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$95 million bridge replacement project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/08/parkway-east-closes-bridge-project" data-vars-content-id="89706df3-a09c-48b8-897b-1a63663cee19" data-vars-headline="Parkway East bridge project could reopen early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/08/parkway-east-closes-bridge-project" target="_self">$95 million bridge replacement project</a> that&#x27;s closed one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh&#x27;s busiest highways " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/22/drivers-slow-tunnels-traffic-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="89706df3-a09c-48b8-897b-1a63663cee19" data-vars-headline="Parkway East bridge project could reopen early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/22/drivers-slow-tunnels-traffic-pittsburgh" target="_self">Pittsburgh&#x27;s busiest highways </a>would reopen about a week ahead of schedule.

What to eat, see and do at Picklesburgh

Things to Do

Pickle pandemonium is back for its 11th year, serving up inventive gherkin-inspired eats, vendors, contests and the return of a bucking pickle Thursday through Sunday.Why it matters: Picklesburgh is set to pack Downtown and the North Shore with more than 200,000 visitors for what&#x27;s expected to be its biggest festival yet, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/02/picklesburgh-2026-dates-locations-expansion" data-vars-content-id="4d16aa6a-4a48-4792-8f73-e13be74b699f" data-vars-headline="What to eat, see and do at Picklesburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/02/picklesburgh-2026-dates-locations-expansion" target="_self">expanding</a> into the newly renovated Market Square and Arts Landing.

Browns Hill Road crowned worst sidewalk

Axios readers picked Browns Hill Road as the city's toughest stretch to walk.

Browns Hill Road was voted the worst sidewalk in Pittsburgh due to its narrow pavement, steep hill and forced interaction with traffic, Axios readers say.Why it matters: Pedestrian advocates and city officials are tracking sidewalk conditions to make streets safer and are recruiting more volunteers to gather data on sidewalks at places like Browns Hill Road.

Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts

The president praised the grocery chain's summer discounts on 300 products.

President Trump tipped his cap to local grocery chain Giant Eagle on Sunday night over a promotional price cut.The big picture: As grocery prices have increased amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" data-vars-content-id="f9dac920-ac7a-4854-99cb-3b9f73c71d43" data-vars-headline="Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s tariffs</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" data-vars-content-id="f9dac920-ac7a-4854-99cb-3b9f73c71d43" data-vars-headline="Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" target="_self">Iran war</a> and supply shocks, the president praised Giant Eagle for its temporary price cuts on 300 products.

Flash floods and downed power power lines possible Tuesday

Forecasters warn of flooding, fallen trees and possible power outages.

Southwest Pennsylvania should brace for potential flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service.Why it matters: The region will be under a rare severe weather threat — including intense wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms — that happens only &quot;once or twice a year,&quot; said Fred McMullen of the National Weather Service in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="media briefing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQy2oVboeYM" data-vars-content-id="14b2dd46-0cf2-41aa-a684-59874fe5b9f4" data-vars-headline="Flash floods and downed power power lines possible Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQy2oVboeYM" target="_blank">media briefing</a> on Monday.

Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees

Dangerous heat will grip the region for days, with little overnight relief.

Temperatures will soar well past the 90s for the next few days in Southwest Pennsylvania.Why it matters: Allegheny County issued a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Code Red heat advisory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-code-red-heat-advisory-week-of-june-29/71761548#:~:text=in%20your%20inbox.-,Allegheny%20County%20said%20a%20%22code%20red%22%20heat%20advisory%20has%20been,to%20reach%20above%2090%20degrees.&amp;text=Officials%20said%20due%20to%20anticipated,%2C%20to%20Wednesday%2C%20July%201." data-vars-content-id="9cb9ac91-9ee5-4075-a040-06320b8636c7" data-vars-headline="Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-code-red-heat-advisory-week-of-june-29/71761548#:~:text=in%20your%20inbox.-,Allegheny%20County%20said%20a%20%22code%20red%22%20heat%20advisory%20has%20been,to%20reach%20above%2090%20degrees.&amp;text=Officials%20said%20due%20to%20anticipated,%2C%20to%20Wednesday%2C%20July%201." target="_blank">Code Red heat advisory</a> on Monday, meaning people without air conditioning, health systems, industries and infrastructure will be endangered by high heat, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSWPC/status/2071324549111558175/photo/1" data-vars-content-id="9cb9ac91-9ee5-4075-a040-06320b8636c7" data-vars-headline="Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSWPC/status/2071324549111558175/photo/1" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a>.

"Super El Niño" could warm Pittsburgh's summer

Forecasters say a powerful El Niño could affect temperatures and rainfall.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;super El Niño&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/14/super-el-nino-wetter-cooler-weather-monsoon-season-arizona" data-vars-content-id="f186cb8d-b3dc-4c5a-bb00-08c307f0da7f" data-vars-headline="&quot;Super El Niño&quot; could warm Pittsburgh&#x27;s summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/14/super-el-nino-wetter-cooler-weather-monsoon-season-arizona" target="_self">&quot;super El Niño&quot;</a> is hitting the West Coast, and its power will impact Pittsburgh.The big picture: Forecasters say the weather system could be the biggest in decades, bringing warm Pacific Ocean currents to the western Americas and impacting weather across the globe.

Jerome Bettis helps plug abandoned gas wells

Bettis joined state officials to mark the plugging of 400 abandoned wells.

Steelers Hall of Famer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jerome &quot;The Bus&quot; Bettis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/16/mark-cuban-pittsburgh-ai-showcase-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="433bca25-7248-4a92-8c08-c3d7ad73010f" data-vars-headline="Jerome Bettis helps plug abandoned gas wells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/16/mark-cuban-pittsburgh-ai-showcase-nfl-draft" target="_self">Jerome &quot;The Bus&quot; Bettis</a> is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by plugging the region&#x27;s abandoned gas and oil wells.Why it matters: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) estimates there are hundreds of thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells in the state — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a large concentration in Western Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://gis.dep.pa.gov/PaOilAndGasMapping/OilGasWellsStrayGasMap.html?" data-vars-content-id="433bca25-7248-4a92-8c08-c3d7ad73010f" data-vars-headline="Jerome Bettis helps plug abandoned gas wells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gis.dep.pa.gov/PaOilAndGasMapping/OilGasWellsStrayGasMap.html?" target="_blank">a large concentration in Western Pennsylvania</a> — leaking greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere.

Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals

Supporters say the plan could unlock major infrastructure investment.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sen. Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/08/mccormick-gas-prices-iran-conflict" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/08/mccormick-gas-prices-iran-conflict" target="_self">Sen. Dave McCormick</a>, a Republican, introduced a bill late last month to cut costs and speed up production of energy projects across the nation.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/15/how-pittsburgh-s-electric-bills-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/15/how-pittsburgh-s-electric-bills-stack-up" target="_self">Electricity</a> and gas utility prices are rising, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some blame the tepid buildout of power plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" target="_self">some blame the tepid buildout of power plants</a> as the cause.

Punxsy Phil's 2026 prediction: Partly right

Cold February helped Phil, but a warm March hurt his call.

It&#x27;s been six weeks since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Punxsutawney Phil" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/31/punxsutawney-phil-groundhog-day-survival-guide" data-vars-content-id="d4d7b371-e1f6-4154-8c6d-a40f05fd278f" data-vars-headline="Punxsy Phil&#x27;s 2026 prediction: Partly right" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/31/punxsutawney-phil-groundhog-day-survival-guide" target="_self">Punxsutawney Phil</a> predicted we would get six more weeks of winter.The big picture: Was our famous groundhog correct?

Pittsburgh's allergy season is getting longer

If you're breaking out the Claritin early, you're not alone.

Environment

If you&#x27;re breaking out the Claritin early, you&#x27;re not alone. Pittsburgh&#x27;s spring allergy season is getting longer and stronger.Why it matters: About a quarter of U.S. adults swap fresh spring air for runny noses, itchy throats and puffy eyes as pollination season begins.

Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables

Farmers and restaurant owners say extreme weather is raising costs and risks.

Climate

Small <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" target="_self">restaurant</a> owners and farmers in Western Pennsylvania are bracing for escalating climate change disruptions that could further strain their bottom lines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Record heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/30/pittsburgh-breaks-heat-record-2024" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/30/pittsburgh-breaks-heat-record-2024" target="_self">Record heat</a>, sharp temperature swings, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/30/severe-storms-kill-3-cut-power-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/30/severe-storms-kill-3-cut-power-pennsylvania" target="_self">extreme weather</a> hit small agricultural producers and businesses hard, as many operate on razor-thin margins.

Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)

Temperatures will rise above freezing Tuesday, easing snow and ice across the region.

Rejoice! The temperature will rise above freezing for the first time in over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two weeks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="fbdcc6bb-9f75-4666-820b-afc6e1df6961" data-vars-headline="Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" target="_self">two weeks</a>.Why it matters: A near-record-breaking snowstorm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dumped about a foot of powder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/02/pittsburgh-snow-removal-delays-oconnor-response" data-vars-content-id="fbdcc6bb-9f75-4666-820b-afc6e1df6961" data-vars-headline="Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/02/pittsburgh-snow-removal-delays-oconnor-response" target="_self">dumped about a foot of powder</a> across Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the massive piles have not melted, making parking and walking a hassle.

City and county take steps to speed up Pittsburgh snow removal

Emergency declarations allow local governments to move more quickly and efficiently in clearing snow.

Don&#x27;t expect the roads to be completely free of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/16/pittsburgh-winter-sledding-skating-trails" data-vars-content-id="09b751e7-b75b-45b2-97f8-88a14fb1e971" data-vars-headline="City and county take steps to speed up Pittsburgh snow removal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/16/pittsburgh-winter-sledding-skating-trails" target="_self">snow</a> Tuesday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Near-record snowfall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="09b751e7-b75b-45b2-97f8-88a14fb1e971" data-vars-headline="City and county take steps to speed up Pittsburgh snow removal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" target="_self">Near-record snowfall</a> on Sunday ground the Pittsburgh region to a halt, and round-the-clock snow removal efforts improved the situation, but there is still plenty more to go.

Climate 🌿

Flash floods and downed power power lines possible Tuesday

Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees

"Super El Niño" could warm Pittsburgh's summer

Jerome Bettis helps plug abandoned gas wells

Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals