Pittsburgh's Vision Zero initiative is about to touch down on Beltzhoover Avenue with new traffic calming measures aimed at protecting the lives of Allentown neighborhood residents. According to a recent article published by the City of Pittsburgh, these measures are slated to include the construction of speed tables, painted splitter islands, and clearly marked parking lanes. Mayor Ed Gainey is behind the move, stating, "Every neighborhood in Pittsburgh deserves streets that are safe for everyone—whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or just stepping outside your front door."
The decision to implement these changes comes on the heels of a traffic study performed by DOMI, which revealed a concerning trend, 70% of motorists cruised over the 25 mph speed limit, with the 85th percentile speed clocking in at 32 mph. With construction set to begin today, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure has plans to quickly move forward with the project, which will introduce permanent signage and pavement markings designed to make drivers more aware of their surroundings and to slow down.
Delays are on the cards for commuters and residents alike, as flaggers will regulate traffic to allow alternating flows during construction hours, stretching from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entire project is expected to wrap up in just two days, weather permitting, minimizing the impact on the area's daily routines. Noticeable street-side changes will also include the placement of temporary 'No Parking' signs where work is being conducted.
"This project on Beltzhoover Avenue is about protecting lives and strengthening the sense of safety in Allentown," Mayor Gainey told the City of Pittsburgh. Ensuring safety through infrastructure is not an unusual step for city governments, and this particular effort is being hailed as a testament to the city's dedication to building safer, more livable neighborhoods for its constituents. Those interested in the day-to-day updates on the changes Beltzhoover Avenue will undergo can follow the progress on the project's Engage Page.
For more information, direct inquiries can be made to Jacob Williams, Press Officer, at [email protected] or by phone at (412) 667-8264.
