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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.

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.

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.

Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore

A new nightlife venue will feature live music, karaoke and dueling pianos near PNC Park.

A new entertainment venue, Mic Drop, is coming to the North Shore with a lineup of live music, karaoke and dueling pianos.Why it matters: The space is the latest addition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;</a> fast-growing North Shore portfolio and citywide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" target="_self">real estate</a> investments.

New owners eye housing at Smithfield building

Pittsburgh developers are studying a mixed-use remake with housing and rooftop space.

A prominent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/09/pittsburgh-small-business-downtown-revival" data-vars-content-id="844a7391-ad1c-4c78-b61e-b1f9f0111a2d" data-vars-headline="New owners eye housing at Smithfield building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/09/pittsburgh-small-business-downtown-revival" target="_self">Downtown property</a> could become the latest addition to the neighborhood&#x27;s residential revival following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy Development Partners&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" data-vars-content-id="844a7391-ad1c-4c78-b61e-b1f9f0111a2d" data-vars-headline="New owners eye housing at Smithfield building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" target="_self">Legacy Development Partners&#x27;</a> purchase of 610 Smithfield St.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" data-vars-content-id="844a7391-ad1c-4c78-b61e-b1f9f0111a2d" data-vars-headline="New owners eye housing at Smithfield building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" target="_self">Legacy</a>, led by Pittsburgh developer and restaurateur Herky Pollock, added the four-story retail and office building across from Mellon Square to its growing real estate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="portfolio" data-vars-click-url="https://triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/new-pittsburgh-eatertainment-group-dishes-on-expansion-plans/" data-vars-content-id="844a7391-ad1c-4c78-b61e-b1f9f0111a2d" data-vars-headline="New owners eye housing at Smithfield building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/new-pittsburgh-eatertainment-group-dishes-on-expansion-plans/" target="_blank">portfolio</a> this month.

New Pens owners will keep team in Pittsburgh, want hotel near PPG

The Hoffmann family also said it wants to build a hotel near the arena.

A day after officially purchasing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penguins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/13/penguins-playoff-return-2026-season-turnaround" data-vars-content-id="3692cb6c-fad5-46c6-b0bc-acdef0f1ed06" data-vars-headline="New Pens owners will keep team in Pittsburgh, want hotel near PPG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/13/penguins-playoff-return-2026-season-turnaround" target="_self">Penguins</a>, the Hoffmann family said at a press conference that they will keep the city&#x27;s beloved hockey team in Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Rumors about a potential relocation to Florida swirled when the Hoffmanns announced they were buying the team, because their company is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headquartered in the Sunshine State" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2026/06/24/key-details-pittsburgh-penguins-sale-florida-company/90674102007/" data-vars-content-id="3692cb6c-fad5-46c6-b0bc-acdef0f1ed06" data-vars-headline="New Pens owners will keep team in Pittsburgh, want hotel near PPG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2026/06/24/key-details-pittsburgh-penguins-sale-florida-company/90674102007/" target="_blank">headquartered in the Sunshine State</a>, but the new team owners pushed back against that notion.

Allegheny County pushes to become a clean tech hub

The initiative seeks to attract investment and expand advanced manufacturing.

Pittsburgh manufacturing shouldn&#x27;t only be known for steel — the region should build a new industry, says Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.The big picture: Pittsburgh&#x27;s economy has mostly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moved out of the shadow of steel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/06/new-book-pittsburgh-beyond-steel-economy" data-vars-content-id="03a403af-287a-41b7-90b2-55a509015d18" data-vars-headline="Allegheny County pushes to become a clean tech hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/06/new-book-pittsburgh-beyond-steel-economy" target="_self">moved out of the shadow of steel</a> and heavy industry and is looking to forge a new future for blue-collar work.

Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space

The new restaurant plans sushi, churrasco and seafood stations.

Food and Drink

The Waterfront&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-shuttered" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/rock-bottom-restaurant-and-brewery-in-the-waterfront-is-permanently-closed/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/rock-bottom-restaurant-and-brewery-in-the-waterfront-is-permanently-closed/" target="_blank">long-shuttered</a> Rock Bottom brewery space is getting a reboot as an international buffet later this year.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opal Buffet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/opalbuffet/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/opalbuffet/" target="_blank">Opal Buffet</a>, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant group" data-vars-click-url="https://opalgroups.com/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://opalgroups.com/" target="_blank">restaurant group</a> behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nan Xiang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/24/try-these-colorful-soup-dumplings-at-nan-xiang" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/24/try-these-colorful-soup-dumplings-at-nan-xiang" target="_self">Nan Xiang</a> Soup Dumplings, is expected to open for lunch and dinner service at the 16,000-square-foot venue by late summer or early fall, the group announced Tuesday.

Downtown tower to become affordable housing

The $30M project will bring 46 units, almost all of which will be affordable, by 2027.

A 120-year-old office tower Downtown will get new life as affordable housing soon.Why it matters: Downtown Pittsburgh is full of vacant and aging office buildings as the neighborhood slowly crawls out of its pandemic lows.

First Look: Armada's 90,000-square-foot expansion

The logistics giant is bringing workers back with a major office upgrade.

Another large Pittsburgh company is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bringing workers back into the office," data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYAI6AnJJdt/" data-vars-content-id="5168ff5d-be7f-400e-8179-d2f957c0e767" data-vars-headline="First Look: Armada&#x27;s 90,000-square-foot expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYAI6AnJJdt/" target="_blank">bringing workers back into the office,</a> and it&#x27;s incentivizing them with a swanky new upgrade.Why it matters: Logistics company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Armada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.armada.net/company/" data-vars-content-id="5168ff5d-be7f-400e-8179-d2f957c0e767" data-vars-headline="First Look: Armada&#x27;s 90,000-square-foot expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.armada.net/company/" target="_blank">Armada</a> is Pittsburgh&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third-largest privately held company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/subscriber-only/2025/06/13/meet-the-350-highest-revenue-private-companies-based-in-the.html" data-vars-content-id="5168ff5d-be7f-400e-8179-d2f957c0e767" data-vars-headline="First Look: Armada&#x27;s 90,000-square-foot expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/subscriber-only/2025/06/13/meet-the-350-highest-revenue-private-companies-based-in-the.html" target="_blank">third-largest privately held company</a> — behind Giant Eagle and 84 Lumber — and its new headquarters in Wexford gives it room to expand.

Loews plans luxury hotel by convention center

The 500-room hotel would connect directly to the convention center.

Luxury hotel giant Loews Hotels signed a letter of intent to build a 500-room hotel connecting to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced last week.Why it matters: The $418 million project is part of a larger investment committed by the state, county and city to spur over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$600 million in investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/16/development-pittsburgh-pit-upmc" data-vars-content-id="50af94a7-948a-40a5-a9a5-aa443443e913" data-vars-headline="Loews plans luxury hotel by convention center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/16/development-pittsburgh-pit-upmc" target="_self">$600 million in investment</a> in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Heinz History Center expansion takes shape

The project will add new exhibits and event space by 2028.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heinz History Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/" data-vars-content-id="25897a2e-c6d5-438f-ba1a-2747fca9d246" data-vars-headline="Heinz History Center expansion takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/" target="_blank">Heinz History Center</a> broke ground Thursday on its 92,000-square-foot expansion.Why it matters: The $80 million project will boost capacity, add exhibits and help position the Smithsonian-affiliated museum as a top draw for tourists and visitors.

Market Square debuts $15 million makeover

The renovations aim to bring energy back to one of Downtown's busiest gathering spaces.

NFL draft crowds will be among the first to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market Square&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/01/market-square-revamp-downtown-upgrade-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="bfaf2a54-7789-4c77-8f56-1d65a7cd0d2d" data-vars-headline="Market Square debuts $15 million makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/01/market-square-revamp-downtown-upgrade-pittsburgh" target="_self">Market Square&#x27;s</a> $15 million renovation after a year of work.Why it matters: The city is fast-tracking new projects to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draw people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/us-cities-downtown-data?utm_campaign=editorial&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter" data-vars-content-id="bfaf2a54-7789-4c77-8f56-1d65a7cd0d2d" data-vars-headline="Market Square debuts $15 million makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/us-cities-downtown-data?utm_campaign=editorial&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter" target="_self">draw people</a> back Downtown after pandemic-era hits to foot traffic, while teeing up Pittsburgh for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busy tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" data-vars-content-id="bfaf2a54-7789-4c77-8f56-1d65a7cd0d2d" data-vars-headline="Market Square debuts $15 million makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" target="_self">busy tourism</a> year.

Development 🏗️

Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore

New owners eye housing at Smithfield building

New Pens owners will keep team in Pittsburgh, want hotel near PPG

Allegheny County pushes to become a clean tech hub

Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space