City of Pittsburgh Announces Traffic Pattern Changes with Reopening of the Fern Hollow Bridge
PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is working to make safer connections to and from the Fern Hollow bridge for all users. The reconstruction of the bridge by PennDOT presents an opportunity to calm traffic at several complex intersections, while improving connections for pedestrians and cyclists who rely on this vital route.
After extensive data collection, field visits, public meetings and stakeholder comments, DOMI will implement a number of safety improvements for the Forbes Avenue, South Dallas Avenue, Beechwood Boulevard and Beacon Street intersections.
Amongst the largest changes is South Dallas Avenue, between Forbes Avenue and Beechwood Boulevard, will become one-way for southbound traffic only. The “Stop Except Right Turn” sign on southbound South Dallas Avenue will be removed and a dedicated left-turn lane will be added to reduce motorist confusion. Additionally, a stop sign on Beechwood Boulevard eastbound at South Dallas Avenue will be added to allow southbound South Dallas Avenue to be a free-flowing movement.
Several additional changes include intersection improvements at Beechwood Boulevard and Beacon Street to increase safety; a reduced speed limit on Forbes Avenue from South Dallas Avenue to Braddock Avenue, consistent with other parts of the Forbes Avenue corridor; a pedestrian walking space on north Beechwood Boulevard that connects to the end of the existing Beechwood Boulevard sidewalk; and concrete jersey barriers to protect the proposed two-way cycle track from the Fern Hollow Bridge to Beechwood Boulevard.
Installation of the full project will occur in Spring 2023. However, interim operational changes will be implemented immediately, concurrent with the reopening of the Fern Hollow Bridge. These include:
- South Dallas Avenue between Forbes Avenue and Beechwood Boulevard will become one-way southbound. Traffic will not be permitted northbound.
- The existing ramp between Beechwood Boulevard and Forbes Avenue will close to vehicle traffic.
- The stop sign on Beechwood Boulevard eastbound will be added.
Additional information, including full details on project design and intersection improvements, can be viewed here.
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