Rerouting Pittsburgh: Behind the Wheel of PRT’s Detour Team
Whether it’s rerouting buses and trains in advance of the G-20 Summit or making way for an elephant in a Hindu wedding , PRT’s Department of Road Operations ensures the daily continuity of Allegheny County’s public transportation.
From surprise water main breaks and snowstorms to advanced planning for the Pittsburgh Marathon or one of our city’s beloved parades, Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Department of Special Services, Events & Detours – Operations, handles thousands of traffic and road detours every year. Led by Chuck Rompala, the department works - largely behind the scenes – to ensure PRT buses and light rail vehicles are rerouted as efficiently as possible while protecting cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians at the same time.
With rivers, mountains, bridges, and tunnels, the geography of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region can present unique challenges when it comes to the necessary detours that everything from planned construction to fallen trees can cause.
“There are only so many directions traffic can be rerouted or moved to before we run into a geographical obstacle,” explained Rompala. “In this department, we balance creative thinking with logistical strategy every single day.”
PRT’s detour system has evolved over the decades to fit changing demographics, ridership, and infrastructure-related construction. In 1999, recognizing the amount of planning and work creating detours requires, PRT created a position dedicated solely to detour planning and response. Rompala, who has been with PRT from the start of his career, moved into the position. And while overtime his position, responsibilities, and staff have evolved, he has, in one way or another, overseen every bus-related detour in the city.
While the majority of detours are a response to infrastructure-related construction, severe weather, city events, or traffic accidents, some require significant advance planning. Pittsburgh’s hosting of the 2009 G-20 Summit was one such instance.
“The G-20 required an enormous team effort,” said Rompala. “We worked hand-in-hand with the Secret Service, arranging everything from private motor coaches to rerouting 216 bus routes as well as the Greyhound bus station. It was truly something to be a part of and I’m glad I did it.”
With the NFL draft coming to Pittsburgh in 2026, and multiple construction projects part of routine maintenance to keep bus and light rail service safe and efficient, the Department of Special Services, Events & Detours is always planning, routing, and rerouting roads and traffic. The work is essential for the safety, efficiency, and overall success of Pittsburgh’s public transportation.
