PITTSBURGH, PA (October 26, 2020) The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has unveiled the latest Downtown bicycle facilities project. The project consists of multimodal street upgrades and a two-way dedicated bicycle track that runs on Stanwix Street from Third Avenue to Penn Avenue, down Penn Avenue and Liberty Avenue to the intersection of Commonwealth Place to connect the existing bicycle network to Point State Park. The new infrastructure connects the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Point Park University, Point State Park, and a significant portion of the Golden Triangle businesses to a dedicated bike track.
The project includes enhanced signing and pavement markings, a sidewalk extension bus platform, curb and sidewalk restoration, and roadway milling and resurfacing. The bicycle track runs over two raised bus platforms to help transit riders safely access busses without vehicles having to obstruct the bicycle track. Finishing touches will be completed in November, which include traffic signal updates and associated electrical work. Users are advised to follow the temporary instructional signage until these installations are complete.
“The Downtown bicycle project is another critical link in a complete network,” said DOMI Director Karina Ricks. “These new bike facilities give the people of our city the opportunity to safely access major employment and cultural areas with the affordable, sustainable and enjoyable mode of travel by bicycle.”
The project provides a connection through Downtown for already-existing bicycle infrastructure to promote the safety of all commuters, including the estimated 1,100 bicycle commuters, and those using the tracks for recreation. The road improvements promote the safety of all commuters whether they are public transit riders, vehicle operators, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
The project also connects to the Great Allegheny Passage, a hiking and bicycle trail that runs 150 miles between the Point and Maryland that brings thousands of people to Pittsburgh each year. This new bicycle track connection will allow trail users to safely access and navigate Downtown Pittsburgh to explore the city, amenities, and businesses.
This phase of the project has been in development since 2015 with design in 2018 and construction from June to November 2020. DOMI worked with agency and community partners including PennDOT, BikePGH, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and Friends of the Riverfront. Construction cost $758,746 and included design by Mackin Engineering Company, construction management by Michael Baker International, and prime contracting by A. Merante Contracting.
Additional information for the project can be found on the project page.
The new bicycle facilities are indicated in the dashed orange line.
