PITTSBURGH, PA (July 20, 2021) The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure announced today the installation of the Hatfield Connector, the final portion of the Central Lawrenceville Neighborway. The connector is a shared-use pedestrian and bike path that closes the pedestrian and bicycle path gap between 50th and 51st Streets.
Neighborways are low-traffic streets that prioritize pedestrians, bicycles and other non-vehicular traffic to offer a safer, more comfortable alternative to busy arterial streets. Sometimes, Neighborways create connections for bicyclists and pedestrians by creating ramps or trails on the public right of way.
The Hatfield Connector was constructed by the Department of Public Works’ Construction Division through an old City right of way and extends from 50th to 51st, closing a crucial gap in the bike network between the Central Lawrenceville Neighborway (on Foster, 44th and Hatfield) and Upper Lawrenceville and Stanton Heights.
“It is always exciting to see an idea from a community meeting or community plan advance to a real life project,” said Lauren Byrne Connelly, Executive Director for Lawrenceville Corporation. “The Neighborway, and its improved infrastructure along Willow, Hatfield, and now through the connector, provides a critical connection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others looking for safe and accessible routes to and through the Lawrenceville community. A healthy community is one where leaders can plan and implement both short- and long-term infrastructure & policy improvements that enhance the safety and livability of our neighborhood, and we are appreciative to the City for working with us to create a safe and accessible Lawrenceville.”
The construction included grading and paving the 10-foot path, constructing modular block walls, installing new sidewalk ramps and includes a long tree pit on 51st Street and sodding of the adjacent land. The City will be installing bollards, railings, signage and planting additional trees.
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