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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.

Step into 19,000 years of human history near Pittsburgh

A groundhog hole helped uncover a landmark archaeological site.

History

A chance discovery in a Pennsylvania groundhog hole rewrote the story of the earliest Americans, and you can explore the site just an hour from Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Few places in the U.S. offer a deeper connection to the past than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft/" data-vars-content-id="22f8f5ba-a9af-4b7b-a561-919260048904" data-vars-headline="Step into 19,000 years of human history near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft/" target="_blank">Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village</a>, one of the oldest sites of continuous human habitation in North America.

Why Pittsburgh is the most American city

We didn&#x27;t play a big role in founding America. We aren&#x27;t close to being the biggest city, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our accent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/01/the-pitt-wholeys-pronunciation-backlash" data-vars-content-id="e1d12f06-1017-4c43-a8f3-4d0489a99078" data-vars-headline="Why Pittsburgh is the most American city" 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/the-pitt-wholeys-pronunciation-backlash" target="_self">our accent</a> isn&#x27;t like any other in the country, but Pittsburgh still has a strong argument for the most American city.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary is coming up, and cities across the U.S. are commemorating their role in building America.

What May Day means in Pittsburgh

Marches and events highlight labor history and workers' rights across the region.

Labor rights are integral to Pittsburgh&#x27;s history and growth as a region, and International Workers&#x27; Day is a great opportunity to remember them.The big picture: Labor groups and local activists will be holding marches, parades and events Friday and this weekend to commemorate May Day.

We tried Pittsburgh's original french fry salad

A Beaver County spot claims it invented Pittsburgh's iconic fry-topped salad.

Food and Drink

The french fry salad is one of Pittsburgh&#x27;s most celebrated foods, but its origins are less well-known than Primanti&#x27;s famous fry-stuffed sandwich.The intrigue: I tried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jerry&#x27;s Curb Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/people/Jerrys-Curb-Service/100028410026985/#" data-vars-content-id="758086ea-a2a2-4b94-8c74-459a0fa33168" data-vars-headline="We tried Pittsburgh&#x27;s original french fry salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Jerrys-Curb-Service/100028410026985/#" target="_blank">Jerry&#x27;s Curb Service</a> in Bridgewater, Beaver County, a fast-food joint that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lays claim to the title of inventor of the french fry salad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tastingtable.com/1234338/the-origins-of-pittsburghs-french-fry-topped-salad/" data-vars-content-id="758086ea-a2a2-4b94-8c74-459a0fa33168" data-vars-headline="We tried Pittsburgh&#x27;s original french fry salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tastingtable.com/1234338/the-origins-of-pittsburghs-french-fry-topped-salad/" target="_blank">lays claim to the title of inventor of the french fry salad</a>, aka the Pittsburgh salad.

Bucco Bricks return as plaques at PNC Park

Fans can now find their messages on new plaques around the stadium.

Sports

Those <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missing their Bucco Bricks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/09/pirates-bucco-bricks-removed-recycled" data-vars-content-id="3c3177ca-4473-4d9e-9c6f-7ad9c73f7622" data-vars-headline="Bucco Bricks return as plaques at PNC Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/09/pirates-bucco-bricks-removed-recycled" target="_self">missing their Bucco Bricks</a> can now find the messages on plaques at PNC Park.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pirates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/pirates-season-preview-hope-playoff-run" data-vars-content-id="3c3177ca-4473-4d9e-9c6f-7ad9c73f7622" data-vars-headline="Bucco Bricks return as plaques at PNC Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/pirates-season-preview-hope-playoff-run" target="_self">The Pirates</a> removed fans&#x27; engraved bricks last year — which temporarily caused controversy — before announcing they would replace the commemorative messages first installed as sidewalk blocks when PNC Park was built 25 years ago.

The woman who named Swissvale

A pioneering journalist and abolitionist helped changed laws and public perception from Pittsburgh.

Jane Grey Swisshelm spent her life challenging the limits of 19th-century America, and much of that fight took shape in Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s History Month often spotlights Pittsburgh trailblazers like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nellie Bly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/learn/women-forging-the-way/nellie-bly-around-the-world/" data-vars-content-id="a34b280c-abbb-4e82-b6e4-74a68cebc159" data-vars-headline="The woman who named Swissvale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/learn/women-forging-the-way/nellie-bly-around-the-world/" target="_blank">Nellie Bly</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rachel Carson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/western-pennsylvania-history-rachel-carson-pursuit-better-environment/" data-vars-content-id="a34b280c-abbb-4e82-b6e4-74a68cebc159" data-vars-headline="The woman who named Swissvale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/western-pennsylvania-history-rachel-carson-pursuit-better-environment/" target="_blank">Rachel Carson</a>, but Swisshelm&#x27;s impact on law, journalism and the abolitionist movement is mostly unsung.

Pittsburgh's abolitionist history gains new spotlight

New exhibit highlights the city's role in the Underground Railroad and Black-led activism.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s deep history with the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement is still being uncovered.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s role in abolishing slavery hasn&#x27;t been widely taught, Museum of African American History at the Heinz History Center associate curator Alonna Carter-Donaldson told Axios.

Legacy of Black Pittsburgh ambulances gets new look

Freedom House set the standard for modern EMS nationwide.

The Heinz History Center is digging deeper into the story of the country&#x27;s first ambulance service that went beyond first aid, created by Black men in Pittsburgh.Why it matters: The Freedom House Ambulance Service transformed emergency care in the U.S., but its history isn&#x27;t widely known.

Popular "The Paris of Appalachia" book returns

A popular book explores what makes Pittsburgh unlike anywhere else.

Culture

The debate about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh&#x27;s regional identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" data-vars-content-id="f3654c07-69bc-4ff6-a3e8-f8d6088137e7" data-vars-headline="Popular &quot;The Paris of Appalachia&quot; book returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" target="_self">Pittsburgh&#x27;s regional identity</a> is ongoing, and the reissue of former Post-Gazette columnist Brian O&#x27;Neill&#x27;s popular book &quot;The Paris of Appalachia&quot; will add some points to Pittsburgh&#x27;s Appalachian bona fides.Why it matters: Let&#x27;s face it: We&#x27;re obsessed with ourselves. We might as well delve deeper into what makes us special.

Tracing George Washington's mark on Pittsburgh

From Fort Pitt to Washington's Landing, his legacy still shapes the region.

Our first president was not only integral in founding the nation, but he also played a role in Pittsburgh getting its name and its famous H.Why it matters: George Washington spent some important moments in the greater Pittsburgh region — including events that shaped his leadership skills, his political acumen and even his famous teeth — and Presidents Day is a perfect time for a history lesson.