UPDATE, JUNE 25, 2019:
Please note that observation decks along Grandview Avenue remain open. The elevated platforms mentioned in the press release below are sidewalks cantilevered over the hillside adjacent to the observation decks.
DOMI would like to remind motorists to observe the 25 miles per hour speed limit on the avenue – exceeding the speed limit is dangerous, particularly to pedestrians in the area.
PITTSBURGH, PA (June 24, 2019) Work is underway to make portions of Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington safe for visitors, and to clean up vegetation and debris along the popular corridor.
The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has found it necessary to close portions of elevated sidewalk platforms along Grandview to protect public safety. The department is commissioning engineering designs for their restoration, which is expected to start in August and be completed by November.
Reconstruction is expected to cost between $750,000 and $1 million.
The Grandview Avenue platforms, stretching from Ulysses Street to Shiloh Street, were constructed in the 1960s and last rehabilitated in the late 1980s. In 2017, one section of elevated sidewalk (“Platform 7”) between Maple Terrace and Shiloh Street experienced a failure and was replaced by a relocated on-grade sidewalk.
In early April, the elevated sidewalk between Kearsarge Street and Maple Terrace (“Platform 5”) experienced a failure of one of the precast concrete sidewalk slabs, requiring closure of this platform.
DOMI ordered inspection of the platforms and found similar levels of deterioration of the precast concrete sidewalk slabs located across from Ulysses Street (“Platform 1”) and Bertha Street (“Platform 3”) necessitating the closure of these platforms in order to ensure public safety. The remaining platforms and overlooks were found to be in satisfactory condition.
Engineering design is underway for Platform 5 with reconstruction anticipated to commence in August. Engineering design for the restoration of Platforms 1 and 3 will follow with reconstruction continuing sequentially and completed prior to Thanksgiving.
In the meantime the Department of Public Works is working to address other needs in the corridor.
DPW is redoubling efforts to street sweep Grandview and empty litter cans. Crews are also increasing ongoing mowing and weeding in the area.
Its Forestry Division is attempting to trim trees and vegetation where possible, but due to the Mount Washington hillside’s long history of landslides that work is limited.
Ornamental fencing along the avenue also needs to be addressed, including structural repairs, sanding and repainting, and possible replacement of some sections.
All work by DOMI and DPW will be performed in consultation with the community and District 2 Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith.
“I want to thank the Peduto administration, Chief of Staff Dan Gilman and the directors of DPW and DOMI for their attention to this issue. Grandview Avenue has been suffering from disinvestment for more than a decade, and comprehensive plans are necessary to address its many needs,” Councilwoman Kail-Smith said.
