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For Immediate Release
August 21, 2026
Regional Trail Corporation Announces Indefinite Closure of GAP Trail’s Kennywood Segment Pending Independent Rockfall Evaluation
Allegheny County, PA – The Regional Trail Corporation (RTC) has announced that the section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), often referred to as the Kennywood segment, between the Whitaker flyover and the Port Perry flyover in West Mifflin will remain closed indefinitely. The decision follows scaling operations that identified two large, highly unstable rock hazards along the hillside above the trail. The segment has been closed since early July.
During initial scaling, contractors identified two specific rock formations that cannot be safely remediated through standard clearing methods and present a significant safety risk to trail users. The RTC is soliciting formal proposals from independent, PennDOT-approved rockfall engineers to perform a comprehensive risk assessment and develop a full remediation plan before reopening the segment.
"Extending a trail closure indefinitely during peak season is a difficult decision, and we fully recognize the inconvenience it causes to cyclists, hikers, and local trail-town businesses," said Mark Place, RTC Board President. "However, as trail stewards, our primary responsibility is user safety. Even if the trail surface appears clear, the potential risk of overhead rockfall requires us to rely on certified engineering assessments before moving forward. We will not compromise public safety."
Bypass Shuttle & Public Safety Advisory
To assist trail users in bypassing the closed segment, the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy will continue operating the licensed shuttle service between Homestead and Duquesne until at least September 30. The daily schedule will be from 9 AM to 4:30 PM ($20/person). A one-way shuttle ride takes approximately 16-20 minutes depending on traffic.
On the eastern end, the shuttle service will stop where the GAP intersects East Grant Avenue (as it leads into the RIDC Riverplace business park) at 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. (Please note this this is NOT the Pump House parking lot which is privately owned.)
Travelers may also consider Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s bus service using its 59 or 61C routes.
RTC strongly advises against cyclists attempting to use State Route 837 as a detour. While portions of SR 837 appear on regional maps as a cautionary route, high vehicle speeds, narrow shoulders, and heavy traffic make it dangerous for bicycle traffic. Trail users are urged to utilize the official shuttle bypass for their own safety.
The process of sourcing a qualified engineering firm, conducting the risk assessment, and reviewing remediation proposals is expected to take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Even if a construction contract could be signed immediately, remediation would not start until late autumn.
The RTC will continue to keep the public informed about progress to reopen the trail.
Media Inquiries:
rtcslideproject@gmail.com
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About the Regional Trail Corporation:
The mission of the Regional Trail Corporation is to acquire, develop, manage and maintain appropriate trail and water corridors within southwestern PA in partnership with local trail chapters and councils to promote opportunities for recreation, volunteerism, education, tourism, economic development, and historic and environmental conservation.
The RTC manages sections of the Great Allegheny Passage, the Five Star Trail, the Coal and Coke Trail, and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. All are maintained, monitored and promoted by volunteers.
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