Drivers in Oakmont experienced mostly traffic-free travel as U.S. Open practice rounds kicked off Monday morning.
While there might have been a bit more travel than usual, traffic wasn’t an issue, Oakmont police Chief Michael Ford said. People, however, shouldn’t necessarily get used to those quick travel times through the borough.
“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday is not the gauge (for traffic volume),” Ford said. “These are practice rounds. You have half the spectators.”
Thursday marks the official first round of the U.S. Open. Ford said Hulton Road will be the heaviest traveled road in the Oakmont area come Thursday.
“If you can avoid the Hulton Road corridor for repeated trips, that would be good,” Ford said.
Officers will be stationed at intersections along the road to assist drivers and pedestrians.
Traffic and parking restrictions went into effect Monday. Signage denoting how residents and drivers can enter and leave streets are posted throughout the borough.
While Hulton Road will remain open, people will be unable to access it from Ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th streets. Street parking is not available for the public on those streets and several others.
People using Uber, Lyft or other driving services to get to and from the event will be dropped off and picked up in the 10th Street Elementary School parking lot.
Crosswalks across Hulton Road will be made available for pedestrians walking to the tournament. Those walking will be directed to enter the tournament through a part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare property.
