The third phase of road closures and traffic modifications in advance of next week’s NFL Draft were unveiled Friday.
Officials said the third phase represents the most significant traffic adjustments ahead of the event, which will take place April 23-25. They also said those changes represent the moment when downtown and the North Shore begin the full transformation into a “vibrant, pedestrian-friendly draft campus.”
The changes were announced by the Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee, in partnership with PennDOT, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT).
Officials said that with a comprehensive regional transportation plan in place, visitors and residents are encouraged to plan ahead, take advantage of expanded transit options and experience the draft, which is free and open to all.
Phase 3 road closures
Phase 3 closures will be in effect from Wednesday, April 22, through Saturday, April 25, and include the following roads — in addition to all previously announced Phase 1 and Phase 2 closures:
- Sproat Way
- Allegheny Avenue from Ridge Avenue
- North Shore Drive (from Chuck Noll Way to Mazeroski Way)
- Mazeroski Way
- West General Robinson Street
- Lacock Street from Federal Street
- Federal Street from Lacock Street
- Merchant Street
- I-279 southbound Exit 1B ramp
- I-279 northbound Exit 1B ramp
- Route 65 southbound ramp to Fort Duquesne Bridge
- Route 65 northbound ramp from Fort. Duquesne Bridge,
- T1 ramp from Reedsdale Street and Ridge Avenue
- Sixth Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente)
- Seventh Street Bridge (Andy Warhol)
- Isabella Street
- Sixth Street
- Fort Pitt Bridge on ramp from 10th Street Bypass and Fort Duquesne Boulevard
- Commonwealth Place
- Liberty Avenue Extension
- Penn Avenue (from Stanwix Street to Ninth Street)
- Liberty Avenue/PPG Paints Arena Exit off Fort Pitt Bridge
- 279 HOV
- Smithfield Street Bridge
Officials said those closures are necessary to support event infrastructure, enhance public safety and create a seamless fan experience across the draft footprint.
Free public transit to the draft
Officials said Pittsburgh’s comprehensive transportation plan is designed to move fans efficiently throughout the region — and public transit is the easiest way to get to the draft.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will operate expanded service April 23–25, with additional frequency and capacity on key routes to safely and efficiently connect fans, including:
- Increased light rail (“T”) service to downtown and the North Shore
- Additional service on high-ridership corridors, including the P1-East Busway, G2-West Busway and Route 54
- Four limited-stop “Football Flyer” routes providing direct access from across the region
- Expanded regional connections from neighboring counties
To make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to experience the draft, the Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee and The Pittsburgh Foundation are sponsoring 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 Blvd.), serving all West Busway stops, plus the lower stations of both the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines
In addition, Sheetz is sponsoring free rides on the light rail system (“T”) and the Monongahela Inclinethroughout draft weekend. 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.
Once you arrive, getting around is simple.
The draft footprint is intentionally designed to be highly walkable — connecting downtown, the North Shore and surrounding neighborhoods through a safe, pedestrian-first environment. Fans are encouraged to explore on foot, whether heading to the Draft Theater, visiting fan activations at Point State Park or enjoying Pittsburgh’s restaurants, attractions and small businesses.
Plan ahead for parking
Visitors planning to drive are encouraged to reserve parking in advance as garages and lots are expected to fill quickly, and street parking will be very limited. The NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH do not control parking lot inventory or parking rates.
North Shore parking will be limited, so fans who drive are encouraged to park in downtown and Station Square lots and garages. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Real-time availability is accessible via the ParkPGH app, with reservations available through platforms such as ParkWhiz — helping visitors compare options and secure the best available rates ahead of time.
As with any major event, parking rates may vary based on demand. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use trusted platforms to avoid unexpected pricing and ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Important reminder: Fans are urged to be cautious of fraudulent parking offers circulating online and across social media. Only purchase parking through trusted, verified platforms and avoid listings on social media or unofficial sellers.
Accessibility and mobility
The 2026 NFL Draft will offer a range of accessibility and mobility services to support fans navigating the event footprint. All entrances are accessible, with designated lanes for guests with mobility devices or medically necessary items. Mobility Assistance teams will be available throughout the site, including at Fan Services tents, to provide support such as wheelchair assistance and limited golf cart transportation between key locations.
Accessible viewing areas and restrooms will be available across the footprint, and closed captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided in designated viewing locations. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, as the draft spans a large outdoor area with significant distances between activities. Additional accessibility details, maps and service locations are available in the NFL OnePass app.
A free, citywide celebration
The 2026 NFL Draft is free and open to the public, offering three days of live draft action, concerts, fan experiences and more. Register for NFL OnePass app to receive access to all the action.
“With thoughtful planning and expanded transportation options, we’re making it easy for everyone to be part of this once-in-a-generation event,” said Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “We encourage fans to plan ahead, take transit and enjoy everything Pittsburgh has to offer.”
For full details on road closures, transportation options, maps and event information, visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.
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