The western region of the Commonwealth is set to have an eventful year. Developments include celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, an airport expansion, and data centers.
In 2026, Western Pennsylvania is looking towards an eventful year across sports, politics, technology, and infrastructure updates.
On January 5, current Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor is set to be sworn in as Pittsburgh’s next mayor. He recently said in an interview that he plans to focus on fiscal accountability, economic growth, and reinvigorating Downtown Pittsburgh during his term as mayor.
In April, Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft between parts of the North Shore, Point State Park, and Acrisure Stadium. The event is expected to be the largest tourist event in Pittsburgh’s history, with 500,000 to 700,000 people set to visit the city over the three-day event.
In 2026, the first phase of the Arnold Palmer Airport’s $22 million terminal expansion is set to be completed. The expansion includes a two-story, 32,000-square-foot addition and relocation of a security checkpoint.
The new year will also bring the first turbine deliveries to a 4.4-gigawatt natural gas-fired power plant south of Homer City. Officials plan for the data center to be generating power by 2027, contributing to increased economic benefits and the predicted artificial intelligence boom in the western region of the Commonwealth.
Two new data centers are set to be constructed in the Alle-Kiski Valley and will be designed to hold computing equipment and to store data. Upper Burrell will be home to Florida-based data center company TECfusions at a 1,395-acre site.
A data center project in Springdale is set to continue in the development process in the new year.
The Tarentum Bridge will need to undergo a full closure in 2026 to repair the main span and ramps, a project that is expected to cost $97.5 million. About 36,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, and traffic is expected to detour through East Deer to New Kensington. The bridge construction will begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and could last for about three years.
Pittsburgh will be a focal point of the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. Where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River, a key moment in American history occurred. The French and British empires engaged in conflict there, according to VisitPittsburgh.
Also making its mark on American history, Pittsburgh played a key role in the Industrial Revolution with its large output of iron and steel, giving the “Steel City” its famous nickname.
Pittsburgh’s Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular will be held to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre plans to show programs that celebrate the American spirit at the Benedum Center. Programs are set to include George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes Pas de deux.”
For America’s 250th, the Heinz History Center will showcase exhibits and stories of Western Pennsylvania’s impact on the American experience.
