City of Pittsburgh Invests $150,000 to Enhance Mobility Along Penn Ave., Including One of Downtown’s Original Bike Lanes

The project will increase metered and accessible parking spots and loading zones and improve bike lane safety for cyclists and motorists.

• The Penn Ave. corridor is the heart of the Pittsburgh Cultural District, which draws more than two million visitors each year to the theaters, galleries and restaurants that make downtown Pittsburgh a regional destination. It’s also a gateway to a growing network of bike lanes and trails that connect downtown residents and workers to outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the city and along the three rivers.
• The project includes repaving the corridor from 9th St. to Stanwix St., updating pavement markings, the installation of precast concrete curbs in the bike lane buffer, as well as metal bollards to discourage vehicles gaining access to the bike lane, all to improve safety and enhance the cycling experience...
• It will provide commercial delivery and short-term pick-up/drop-off drivers better access to loading zones on Penn Ave.; long-term parking and vehicle storage will be reallocated for more efficient loading areas. This change is expected to decrease illegally parked commercial vehicles loading out of travel and bike lanes.
• The improvements to one of downtown’s original bike lanes will remove temporary, short-term materials and provide elements that are not only more physically attractive, but also more robust, permanent, and safe for those utilizing the bike lanes.
• “The Penn Ave. corridor has come to define the high quality of life for which Pittsburgh is known worldwide, with its concentration of arts and cultural attractions, proximity to major sports and convention facilities, and connection to our city’s rich outdoor amenities,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “We excited to be able to provide these needed improvements to mobility through the district to benefit downtown residents, workers and visitors.”