The 2026 NFL Draft takes over the North Shore April 23–25, with major events centered around Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. As the Steel City prepares to host thousands of fans, players, sponsors, and national media, city and state officials are dialing up traffic controls to keep this marquee event running smoothly.

That means temporary oversize and overweight travel restrictions are coming, and specialized carriers should be ready to adjust their playbook.

🚦 Draft Week No‑Travel Routes

To help manage congestion and ensure public safety, the following corridors will be closed to oversize/overweight travel from April 22 through April 25:

• US-65 South to I-279 South/Fort Duquesne Bridge
• SR-845, the ramp from Reedsdale Street West to US-65 South
• I-279 North ramp to Exit 70A Liberty Avenue, including from I-376 East/Fort Pitt Bridge to Liberty Avenue
• SR-8041 Ramp G, the ramp from 2128/10th Street Bypass to I-279 North
• I-279 North to SR-65 North
• SR-8017 Ramp B, the ramp from I-279 South to Exit 1B, Lacock Street/Reedsdale Street

These closures are designed to protect traffic flow into the North Shore during peak draft activities, but they can create real challenges for oversize moves if not planned for ahead of time.

🏆Plan Like a Pro 

For specialized carriers, planning is your best play call this week. Whether you’re hauling through western Pennsylvania or staging equipment nearby, knowing which routes are off‑limits before draft week begins can help you avoid delays, reroutes, and costly downtime.

Remember: while the NFL Draft itself spans just three days, traffic impacts begin earlier and last long after the draft ends. Make sure your permits, routes, and timing are zoned in well before you roll out.

When it comes to Draft Week in Pittsburgh, preparation isn’t just smart—it’s a winning strategy. 🏈

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive industry relevant news direct to your inbox!

Make sure to like/follow our social media pages   for up to date information on industry changes, closings, restrictions, and all things permitting.