The current alignment of the connection between The Point and the Strip District
Work to begin on new trail connection. SEA plans to be complete it by 2010
The missing trail link between Point State Park and the Strip District is soon to be completed. Currently the “trail” connection that follows the Allegheny River, in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is more of a skinny sidewalk, not able to accommodate two bicycles passing each other. It is flanked by an ugly chain link fence that blocks the access and view to a beautiful, and prime section of the waterfront.
There is also a plan on the way to connect the next trail segment from the end of the Strip District Trail, around 20th St, to the existing Lawrenceville Trail at 40th St, and onto Highland Park. The Urban Redevelopment Authority and partnering organizations have begun requesting proposals from consultant teams to create the vision, according to the Friends of the Riverfront website.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports today that the Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority has awarded a $7.4 million contract to start construction of the $8.5 million riverfront park at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The SEA development page shows the new trail stretching from the Rachel Carson Bridge to the Fort Wayne railroad bridge, near where Smallman St begins. A suspended sidewalk will rise about 15 feet from the platform to Fort Duquesne Boulevard and connect with an existing Strip trail.
The project area, from the SEA Development page. Click on the image to enlarge.
Architectural drawing showing the elevated path that will connect to the current Strip District Trail. Click on the image to enlarge.
Architectural drawing of the ground level view of the new trail. Click on the image to Enlarge.
The plan also calls for a docking area for boats as well as steps to provide access to visitors from 10th Street near the convention center’s east lobby. Funding will come from federal and state sources and local foundations.
- Visit the SEA Development Page for complete details and preliminary drawings of this project
- Click here to join a discussion on the BikePGH Messageboard about the new trail project
Not a member of Bike Pittsburgh? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bike-pgh.org/membership
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