Where you can go and where you can't during the marathon

This year's marathon will bring the usual challenges for those trying to get in, get out or avoid it altogether.

Unlike last year, however, the race won't be sharing the day with the University of Pittsburgh commencement and a Penguins playoff game.

Pitt's graduation is over with; the Penguins, well, you know that story. And the Pirates will be out of town.

But there will be obstacles for those trying to drive, park, shop, dine, worship or take a bus on Sunday. And again there is a college commencement, this time at Carnegie Mellon University.

Street closures

The barricades begin going up at 5:15 a.m. in the starting area on Liberty Avenue from Sixth Street to Commonwealth Place. As the day goes on, rolling closures will occur, with no vehicles allowed to cross the race course.

Course sections Downtown and in the Strip will close from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Smithfield Street Bridge, Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue closing from 7 to 11 a.m. for the half-marathon; on the North Shore from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. along the early part of the course and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. around the finish area; West End and South Side, 6:30 to 11 a.m.; Oakland-Shadyside-South Point Breeze, 6:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and Homewood-East Liberty-Highland Park-Shadyside-Bloomfield, 7 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Traffic should be back to normal throughout the city by 2 p.m.

Carnegie Mellon is recommending that those attending the graduation ceremonies use Squirrel Hill Exit 74 from the Parkway East to avoid the race route. From the East End, Shadyside or East Liberty, access is possible via the Boulevard of the Allies and traveling through Schenley Park.

More information: www.pittsburghmarathon.com , click on Race Day Information then Road Closures. Also, www.cmu.edu/commencement .