PennDOT to Motorists: Use HOV Lanes on I-279, I-579

Did you know the HOV lanes on I-279 and I-579 are open to all outbound traffic on weekends -- even the vehicles with only one occupant?

Or, did you know motorcycles can use the HOV lanes, even if they do not have two passengers onboard?

PennDOT District 11 wants you to know these things and sent out an announcement saying as much.

 It reminds motorists about the benefits and rules of using the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) and I-579 (Veterans Bridge) in Allegheny County.

The HOV lanes, located in the median of I-279 and I-579, are open to commuters in vehicles with two or more passengers Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., PennDOT said.

HOV lanes promote carpools and vanpools, which help conserve fuel and time, according to PennDOT. Use of the HOV lanes also reduces congestion on other roadways, the announcement said.

Motorists may also be surprised to learn that the HOV lanes are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two-passenger-per-vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours, according to PennDOT.

To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and Panther games and other events on weekends.    

The 5.3-mile reversible-direction HOVs opened in 1989. The Pittsburgh region has the only HOV lanes in Pennsylvania, according to PennDOT.