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For Immediate Release
June 11, 2026
GAP Trail Segment to Close in July for Safety Scaling
Allegheny County, PA – The Regional Trail Corporation (RTC) announced today that a segment of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail in West Mifflin will be closed the evening of Thursday, July 9 for safety scaling. The closure between the Whitaker flyover and the Port Perry flyover is expected to last approximately 28 days with contractors beginning work on Friday, July 10.
“The Great Allegheny Passage is an important economic generator that attracts over a million people a year to this region, and any closure affects the trail towns and businesses along it,” said Mark Place, President of the Regional Trail Council Board. “This work is necessary to reduce the risks to trail users while we continue to work towards funding a long-term solution.”
Scaling removes loose or potentially unstable material that might dislodge or affect falling rock. It is an effective process that is considered periodic maintenance for slopes that pose a potential rockfall hazard. This trail segment near milepost 137 of the GAP, below Kennywood Park and SR 837, has had several rockfalls and landslides throughout the years.
To mitigate the impact to riders, the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy has arranged for a licensed shuttle service to provide transportation for GAP travelers between Homestead and Duquesne, starting on July 10. The service is intended to assist those seeking to safely bypass the segment closure under Kennywood. The service will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week, until August 6 (that's 28 days) or earlier, if the project is completed earlier. The shuttle fee is $20/person fee (cash is preferred but credit cards are accepted). The Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy will subsidize additional costs incurred.
Bill's Car Service, based in Allegheny County, will provide this service, which will be first-come, first-served. There may be slight deviations to accommodate families traveling together.
On the eastern end, the shuttle service will use the official, GAP-branded trail access area in Duquesne, which is at 20 Library Place, Duquesne, PA 15110, and approximately mile marker 135.3.
On the western end, the shuttle service will use the official, GAP-branded trail access area at the Waterfront, which is at 191 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120, and approximately mile marker 140.5.
A one-way shuttle ride is anticipated to be approximately 16-20 minutes.
The RTC has worked with several engineering groups and organizations to evaluate the trail, identify solutions, determine the cost of remediation, and plan the best way forward. Estimates are approximately $8 million for repairs and remediation. To date, RTC has secured $4.3 million for the landslide project. This funding has enabled RTC to perform safety scaling in 2025 as well as planning, engineering, and permitting for the long-term remediation solution. These public and private funds will also be meeting the cost of the current scaling project. Remaining funds will be utilized to address Phase 1 of remediation.
“We know that there is never a good time to close the GAP because of its widespread use, but this maintenance is an important step to protect trail users,” added Place. “This is a beloved asset for so many in this community while also attracting visitors from all 50 states and 40 countries. The investment today allows us to address immediate issues while we continue to identify additional funding sources for other necessary work.”
Organizations, companies, or groups that are interested in financial support of the RTC or this project should contact the RTC at rtcslideproject@gmail.com or visit the RTC website at regionaltrailcorp.org.
Our Contact:
Brandon Simpson
rtcslideproject@gmail.com
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