Faculty and staff colleagues,

As we cross the midpoint of the spring semester, I’m writing to share an important update about a summer construction project that will likely affect the way many of us commute to campus.

On March 6, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that part of Interstate 376 will close for 25 days, starting July 10, as crews complete the replacement of the Commercial Street Bridge. During this period, traffic from I-376 will be diverted onto local roads in the Squirrel Hill and Edgewood/Swissvale areas, which is expected to create slower travel times during peak commuting hours. You can find more details about this project in the Department of Transportation’s Frequently Asked Questions document. 

While the summer months bring lighter campus activity, I know this closure may still disrupt the routines of many faculty and staff who rely on I‑376 and other impacted routes for their daily commutes. As this disruption will occur in the early weeks of my presidency, I am working with campus leaders to prepare a plan to address potential operational challenges and support those most impacted. We are evaluating several possible approaches — including greater flexibility for remote work, where appropriate, and other temporary accommodations.

One of my guiding principles has always been that good decisions are made from a clear understanding of how they will affect our University community. That approach has shaped my time as Duquesne’s provost, and it will be vital to my presidency. With that in mind, I encourage you to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about the impending I-376 closure. You can share your feedback by responding to this brief survey.

Your responses will help us better understand the challenges this closure may create for our campus and identify ways to ease its impact on your work.

Thank you for taking the time to engage as we prepare for this temporary interruption. I’m grateful for the dedication and care you bring to your work and to our students, and I am confident in the future we are building together at Duquesne. 

Kind regards, 

David

David J. Dausey, Ph.D., Ed.D.
President-Elect
Duquesne University