After obtaining a Public Works permit for any closure or obstruction of
the public right-of-way, a Traffic Obstruction Permit is required to
safely and efficiently maintain traffic flow on major arteries, at intersections, in business districts or any special situations.

How to Obtain a Traffic Obstruction Permit:

• Step 1: Obtain a Public Works permit for any closure or obstruction of the public right-of-way at the DPW Permit Counter (611 Second Avenue).
   
  Required Application Information:
• Exact Location of Work
• Proposed Area
• Duration of Closure
• Anticipated Working Hours
• Provisions for Maintaining Traffic Flow
• In most cases, the applicant will be required to submit a Maintenance and Protection of Traffic Plan (MPT).
  (Plan should address advance warning signs, barricades around
  work area, and proposed detours. Plans should consider pedestrian and transit needs in addition to vehicular traffic. Preparation of the
  MPT Plan is the responsibility of the applicant, however the DPW engineering staff will provide advice and guidance as needed.)
• Step 2: The engineering staff evaluates the effect of the proposed work or closure on traffic before issuing the traffic obstruction permit.
• Step 3: The Traffic Obstruction Permit will be reviewed by the City of Pittsburgh Chief of Police, located at 1203 Western Avenue, to determine if the necessary provisions are in order. If approved, the Chief of Police will stamp the plan.

In the Know:

• In some cases, working hours may be limited to evenings, weekends or off-peak hours.
• Permit may require that off-duty police officers or flaggers be used to direct traffic around the work area.
• Traffic Obstruction Permit may be issued over the counter if all of the required application information is evident and accurate.
• In some cases, a standard MPT Plan from PennDot Publication 203 may be sufficient, while in others, a more detailed plan will be required.

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