PennDOT announced today that the off-ramp from the outbound Parkway East to Edgewood at Exit 7 has been closed as a safety precaution because of a deteriorated utility pole. The leg to Swissvale remains open.

PennDOT closed the ramp until a utility company can remove or repair the pole. Traffic is being detoured using the Swissvale leg of the ramp, making a left turn to access Braddock Avenue toward Edgewood, spokesman Jim Struzzi said. Police will direct traffic.

The problem was discovered this afternoon by a contractor working for the City of Pittsburgh, he said. PennDOT is working with the utility company that owns the pole to fix the problem and reopen the ramp to Edgewood as soon as possible. The pole is not owned by PennDOT, Mr. Struzzi said.