PITTSBURGH ANNOUNCES PHASE 2 ROAD CLOSURES AHEAD OF 2026 NFL DRAFT PRESENTED BY BUD LIGHT

The Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee, in partnership with PennDOT, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), today announced Phase 2 road closures and traffic modifications in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, taking place April 23–25, 2026.

As preparations accelerate for the city’s largest sporting event ever hosted—expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors—these closures represent the next step in transforming Downtown and the North Shore into a safe, walkable, and fan-friendly Draft campus.

“Hosting the NFL Draft is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Pittsburgh, and we’re committed to ensuring both residents and visitors can experience it with ease,” said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “By pairing thoughtful planning with free, accessible transit options, we’re making it simple for everyone to be part of this moment while keeping our city moving.”

Phase 2 Road Closures
Phase 2 closures will be in effect from April 13 through April 21 and include the following roads—in addition to all previously announced Phase 1 closures:

• Casino Drive (from Sproat Way)
• North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way)
• Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive)
• Chuck Noll Way
• Tony Dorsett Drive
• I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp to Reedsdale Street
• Reedsdale Underpass

These closures are necessary to support event infrastructure, enhance public safety, and create a seamless fan experience across the Draft footprint.

Additional note: Transportation plans have been designed to accommodate Pittsburgh Pirates home games at PNC Park. On select game days before and after the Draft, adjusted traffic patterns and clearly marked access routes will support fan travel to the North Shore.

A full, up-to-date list of closures and detours is available at: NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.

Free Public Transit to the Draft
To make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to experience the Draft, the Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee and The Pittsburgh Foundation will sponsor free rides on PRT’s “Football Flyer” routes throughout Draft weekend.

Football Flyer Service Details:

• Operating Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 every 15 minutes and Saturday, April 25 every 30 minutes
• Running daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Direct service to drop-off and pick-up locations near Point State Park (Downtown) and PNC Park (North Shore)

Routes Include:

• 99N (North Hills) – Begins at McCandless Park and Ride (9700 McKnight Road), with a stop at Ross Park and Ride (5204 Perry Highway), utilizing HOV lanes on I-279
• 99E (East) – Begins at Monroeville Mall and serves all stations along the East Busway
• 99S (South) – Begins at South Hills Village Park and Ride (219 Peters Creek Road) and serves all stations along the South Busway
• 99W (West) – Begins at University Boulevard Park and Ride (9000 University Boulevard), serving all West Busway stops, plus the lower stations of both the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines

These routes are designed to complement expanded system-wide service and provide a convenient, stress-free alternative to driving amid expected congestion and road closures.

“Major events like the NFL Draft are exactly when public transit plays its most important role,” said Katharine Kelleman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit. “With frequent service, direct routes, and now free rides on our Football Flyer routes, we’re making it easy for people across the region to get Downtown, enjoy the experience, and get home safely—without worrying about traffic or parking.”

This is in addition to PRT’s recent one-of-a-kind partnership announcement with Sheetz to provide free rides on the light rail system (“T”) and the Monongahela Incline throughout Draft weekend. As part of the initiative, Sheetz will cover all fares on the Red, Blue, and Silver lines, along with the Monongahela Incline—making it even easier for fans and visitors to travel throughout the city during one of Pittsburgh’s largest events.

Plan Ahead, Stay Informed
With significant road closures, parking restrictions, and increased traffic expected, residents, commuters, and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead:

• Take advantage of free Football Flyer routes and expanded public transit service
• Allow extra travel time and follow posted detours
• Visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com for maps, closures, and transportation guidance
• Access real-time updates via ridePRT.org and the NFL OnePass app