PITTSBURGH, PA (November 25, 2020) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has opened a new asphalt trail along Washington Boulevard, connecting the existing bike lanes on Negley Run Boulevard to the Bud Harris Cycling Track. The project creates a safe and separated shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists to travel along Washington Boulevard, where there is no existing sidewalk. Tree plantings and other landscaping were also included in the project.
Work included:
- Expansion of sidewalk along Negley Run Boulevard for shared bike/pedestrian use, including reconstruction of some existing sidewalk slabs
- New ADA ramps, pedestrian signals, and pavement markings crossing Negley Run Blvd at Washington Blvd
- Asphalt shared-use path running parallel to Washington Blvd
- Repaving of existing access road between the Zone 5 Police Station and the Fire Bureau training facility for shared use, and construction of a concrete sidewalk through that area
- New ramps and crosswalk markings at Zone 5 secondary driveway
- New ramps, pedestrian signals, and crosswalk markings at the Zone 5 parking lot/Highland Drive intersection with Washington Blvd
- Tie-in to Bud Harris Cycling Track through the existing parking lot
- Reconstruction and cleanup of driveways along trail path, with new pavement markings at the crossings
- Other signage and pavement markings in support of the trail
- Tree plantings and other landscape improvements
Before the project, there was no safe way to travel along Washington Boulevard for pedestrian and bike travelers other than navigating the grass and parking lots of the fire and police facilities. In coming years the City hopes to continue the trail system toward the Allegheny River as further funding becomes available. DOMI is also working with PWSA and the Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate trails in the stormwater project(s) they are pursuing on the northern side of the cycling track.
The cost of the project was $678,974.75. Contract bids were opened in October 2019 and construction was to begin in March 2020, but was delayed due to COVID-19. Construction began in May. Contractors and partners included: CH&D Enterprises, Inc. as prime contractor, Mackin Engineering Co. as the lead designer, PennDOT District 11-0 as project partner and administrator of federal funds.
(Photos: DOMI)
