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Fall Riding Conditions Report

Following the steps of the previous riding conditions' threads, here's one for the 2015 Fall Season. First up, Penn Ave closed 1 block between Stanwix and 5th Ave extension downtown. They are tearing out old pavement, with new one coming in soon. And with it, the cycle track extension to Stanwix: https://flic.kr/p/yEeuuv
chrishent
2015-09-15 06:19:48
There is also apparently work going on underground in the next block, between Sixth and Seventh, with no signage posted about potential closures. Came around the corner from Sixth to this surprise late last night: https://twitter.com/infinitebuffalo/status/643627244901023744
epanastrophe
2015-09-15 08:43:08
9/15/15 Bates Street, there is some work being done on the sidewalk (post goat mowing) and a bunch of those markers up, looks like possible sidewalk repair, maybe? EFT/Jail Trail, they are opening up the trench, resulting in a couple of fenced bottlenecks, you can still pass, but if there is a lot of traffic, take it easy going through.
ka_jun
2015-09-15 08:44:49
Intersection of Beeler and Wilkins is currently a very deep hole exposing what I guess is a part of the sewer system. But you can use the sidewalk to get around (unlike the cars, I hope).
ahlir
2015-09-15 22:12:21
9/16/15 Bates Street sidewalk is restricted down to a half of its normal width. Careful of peds when traversing through there. Really hoping that the City realizes that Bates Street is a major access corridor to EFT/Jail Trail when the work starts on that proposed development at the corner of Blvd of the Allies and Bates, there is a window of opportunity to improve that corridor.
ka_jun
2015-09-16 09:13:35
I'm actually jumping up and down and screaming at the city to do this (and a bunch of simple, easy things in Panther Hollow) right now because this corridor is increasing in importance with, of course the impending closure of the greenfield bridge, but also (gah!) the crossing behind the pond in Schenley looking like a non-route for the foreseeable future. I was worried about exactly this one-two punch to downtown bike commuting for squirrel hill for the longest and now it's happening. Come spring, there really needs to be something in place that's not so ridiculously far out of the way as continuing up boundary is.
byogman
2015-09-16 10:40:17
It's gorgeous. That is all.
mick
2015-09-16 10:59:38
Not sure if this belongs here, but the new bike lanes on Bayard/Bigelow/O'Hara are active as of this morning.
jason-pgh
2015-09-17 06:13:11
9/17/15 1/2 of Bates Street sidewalk is repaired, other side restricted down to less than half of its normal width. If you have a flat bar, you will catch the plastic fencing if you're not careful and there isn't even enough room for peds (due to the poles, fire hydrant, etc.) Be very careful of peds when traversing through there, you may want to consider bypassing it entirely, today until they finish the work, if at all possible.
ka_jun
2015-09-17 10:52:00
New on the FOTR Trail Alerts/Conditions Advisories page:
Starting next Friday, October 2, there will be a temporary fence installed by CSX from South 2nd St to South 4th St during construction on its property. Usage of the South Side segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail will not be affected, as trail visitors will use the official signed on-road route along South 2nd St, Bingham St, and South 4th St.* Negotiations continue for the permanent completion of the dedicated continuous Three Rivers Heritage Trail from Station Square to South Side Works, which will eliminate the need for the current on-road route.
* ha.
epanastrophe
2015-09-25 15:25:14
9/30/15 9AM DPW was installing bollards on the extension of Schenley Drive/Roberto Clemente Drive this morning, probably done by now. Rode in the Bigelow bike lane for the first time, looks nice.
ka_jun
2015-09-30 11:21:41
Yeesh. Didn't they just rehab that overpass a few weeks back?
reddan
2015-09-30 18:27:30
I'm amazed at how many times trucks hit that overpass and the one by ARL on Was Blvd. It is the same train tracks.
edronline
2015-10-01 05:46:05
10/1/15 8:15AM Smithfield is down to one lane at Smithfield and Forbes, be aware of delays and plan accordingly. They are digging up the street. Lots of commuters on EFT/Jail Trail this morning.
ka_jun
2015-10-01 08:01:56
With Fall comes tailgaters. Drunken ones. Drunk, oblivious tailgaters who will walk BACKWARDS into the paths of cyclists while holding giant tongs and a big plate of wieners. The city wants us to call 911 when they do this, and it happens a LOT behind the Science Center. tailgating tailgating2 I REALLY don't want to waste the time of the police for this nonsense, but after yesterday evening's run in with idiots who think setting up a frigging buffet on the trail is perfectly fine.... and nearly sending someone to the ER, I *will* call 911.
rustyred
2015-10-02 15:36:31
South Side Trail detour (due to new fence blocking off area between 2nd and 4th St): when coming from Station Square, and turning right by the fence onto 2nd: be aware that the surface at the 90-degree turn there consists of a deep pile of loose pea gravel. I seriously pity anyone who comes through there at night without knowing about it, as they're quite likely to take a spill.
reddan
2015-10-02 16:13:39
I know it isn't open yet, but today I ran through the closed part of the Strip District trail. It is pretty gross. Very overgrown, mud over the trail in parts, and a small homeless camp south of the 16th street bridge along with trash. Any idea if someone will put a little TLC into the trail between when it opens again sometime this month and next Spring?
edronline
2015-10-04 08:33:39
I say leave it up to Buncher, make them clean up the trail that, and I still don't believe this, will be open at the end of the month.
jason-pgh
2015-10-04 12:01:16
I'm glad to hear that the homeless found a base along there. That camp along the SSide trail was there for what seemed way longer than the authorities would tolerate. We'll have to see if Buncher hires some bulls to run those people off. Where are they supposed to go, anyway?
ahlir
2015-10-04 19:50:11
There are multiple homeless camps along the north shore trail. The one under the 31st St bridge seems the most stable/clean. The ones on the strip trail looked like some sick (ie mental health issues, alcohol, physical health issues) older guys exposed to the outdoors- no tents or tarps, just blankets, on some benches. I said hi to them but they all seemed to be sleeping.
edronline
2015-10-04 20:15:52
Trail looks like it needs a few days of work to have it be back ooen. I couldn't even get to the part behind the Yards complex so no idea what that part looks like. The railroad street extension into the complex is done, but it is eerie- like Florida after the housing crash. A nice street, light poles with places to hang banners, but no buildings. Just dirt fields and equipment. It is unclear why the needed the trail blocked off anyway. The trail is typically about 6-8 feet lower than the construction area. There was no sign of construction equipment on the trail. Probably all a liability issue.
edronline
2015-10-04 20:19:13
10/13/15 8:30AM Smithfield at Fourth Ave. CLOSED and being detoured. Be prepared for delays, major aggro drivers, and general madness and mayhem above and beyond the standard background level of expected chaos. There have been plates across EFT/Jail Trail for the last few days going down to the dirt ramp that connects to Second. They are oriented at a 45degree angle across the trail, so you may want to treat them like railroad tracks, if you're not going to jump the edge...there is also a corner that has dirt built up on the dirt trail side/inbound you can just hit if you don't feel like hopping due to it being damp out.
ka_jun
2015-10-13 08:05:10
Tomorrow is Zombiefest and they're taking over that park (Millvale Riverfront Park) along the trail between the rowing club and the 40th st bridge. ***AVOID*** while I love all things Zombies, Zombiefest attracts some people who just don't give a crap and will smear their fake blood on anyone or everything. Not only will you have trouble just getting through the throngs of undead, but you're likely to have some jagoff trying to mess with you. IE: getting a bloody handprint on your jacket or pannier? It's no wonder Zombiefest is never welcome back to the same venue/location twice; they make a mess and a handful of idiots ruins it for everyone.
rustyred
2015-10-16 14:59:02
Be careful on the Panther Hollow Road Bridge. It appears the DPW placed salt on the bridge today, and it has clumped up.
jason-pgh
2015-10-19 18:27:49
I do not understand dumping 43,000 tons of salt on the roads anytime there is a snowflake in the air. Instead, ask the question, How would I get from A to B if there was *no* salt put on the road? Would I drive the speed limit? Would I drive at all?
stuinmccandless
2015-10-19 21:56:57
What does one have to do to shut down an alley on a regular basis? ***Does one need a permit?*** There's a gym on Penn Ave that shuts down Spring Way between 27th and 28th streets and has all manner of equipment spread out in the street with clients working out _right_in_the_alley.
rustyred
2015-10-20 17:23:54
I'd 311 this, or maybe phone the police/DPLI.
jason-pgh
2015-10-20 17:31:45
If you have video, post it, then include the link in your tweet to pgh311
stuinmccandless
2015-10-21 05:56:09
I've encountered that gym and its clients on Spring Way before. Eh. They don't slow me down terribly and are usually courteous. No need to 311 this, in my opinion. Besides, I suspect that as the weather gets colder, they'll retreat indoors.
chrishent
2015-10-21 06:25:47
I don't think it's a 311 issue, anyway. It's 911, if they're doing something illegal by closing the alley. (But if the guys are polite and move out of the way etc. I don't think the police are going to do anything other than warn them.)
jonawebb
2015-10-21 07:32:17
Obviously it's illegal if not permitted, that's white and black, what I'm trying to get a rough estimate for is the d&ckead quotient. Are they chasing away anyone else who wants to set up in the same alley? (It's not actually theirs... are they claiming it is?) Are they letting folks who aren't members enjoy what they just put out in the public space? (If they're giving back I forgive everything else) So they blocking off motor vehicle traffic... but can you really not get through on a bike, or would it just be really slow? (Pissing off folks in cars that probably ought to use a through route two blocks away I'm ambivalent about, the other stuff is a clear negative) Is that alley one way or two? (blocking a one way from the wrong side of the block is worse) At the extreme, yes, 911. At the other extreme, I kind of actually enjoy the idea... an open streets in miniature. I'm assuming it's somewhere in between.
byogman
2015-10-21 08:06:15
I've been through a handful of times when they've had the alley shut down and I've been courteous with the speed, they haven't given me any grief... ...but yesterday they had out an extraordinary amount of equipment....ropes, two weight bars and plates, kettlebells, platforms, etc... I had trouble getting through with a foot down, scooting through at a walking pace without bumping into an obstacle. I contacted them directly and I'll see how that plays out before I go the 311/911 routes. Just leave me a *little* room to get through... that's all I need. I'm turning up 28th street and I'm not going to let them re-route me up Liberty or down Smallman.
rustyred
2015-10-21 08:53:06
As I mentioned on the Penn Ave bike lane thread, the extension to Stanwix is in progress but not yet completed. Watch out for other vehicles traveling eastbound on Penn towards 6th St, even though there are plenty of signs indicating that only cyclists are allowed to do this now.
chrishent
2015-10-25 18:12:38
And right on cue, this morning I saw 5 drivers who completely missed (or ignored) the two "no left turn" signs from southbound Stanwix St onto eastbound Penn, plus the "Do not enter" sign on eastbound Penn. Until the bollards are installed, do not assume that the cycle track extension is OK to ride
chrishent
2015-10-26 06:17:48
Just as with the new lane last year, it's going to be a month or more of getting people used to this. Indeed, on the 3-2-1 Ride a couple weeks ago, I had to shout one driver into aborting a turn off of southbound 6th to eastbound Penn.
stuinmccandless
2015-10-26 07:50:56
Captain Obvious checking in here, reminding everyone that rain + leaves + turning = wipeout.
stuinmccandless
2015-10-28 09:46:03
I'm looking for some scouting reports, if anyone can provide them. I'm planning to ride either this Tazza D'ora South Loop: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4299485 or this out 'n back to Tom Friday's this weekend: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7274676 I'm less familiar with the south hills area, and I would appreciate if anyone could give me a heads-up about known construction areas or other hazards to avoid along that route. The Tom Friday's route is one that I did earlier this year, but again, if any new construction projects have started (e.g. in the West End and beyond), I'd like to know so I can plan accordingly. Thanks!
jaysherman5000
2015-11-05 12:00:50
Bike lanes on Bayard are beginning to be covered in leaves. I 311'd this, but please use caution, especially when wet.
jason-pgh
2015-11-05 12:37:15
JS5k, on the Tom Friday loop, W. Carson is obviously all effed up from construction, but the route keeps you well away from that. However I believe the Ft. Pitt tunnel is scheduled to be closed, so the West End Circle and the 1000 ft of W. Carson up to the parkway ramp will probably be a complete clustermess. If you're lucky, that piece will be so bogged with cars that getting thru on bike will be ideal.
edmonds59
2015-11-05 13:36:01
I would advise everyone to avoid the Bayard bike lanes between Bellefield and Bigelow. There are lots of oak trees in the area which have deposited about a foot of leaves into the bike lanes. 2 311 requests have been sent in to remove the leaves, but it appears all they did was sweep them to the edge. Use caution.
jason-pgh
2015-11-09 06:58:23
It's moments like that when I wish I had a leafblower bolted to pannier racks on the back of the bike. Turn the nozzle sideways, ride by and blow all those leaves back into the yard...
dfiler
2015-11-09 10:15:47
I was riding down Forbes Sunday morning, and a guy was doing the exact opposite -- blowing all the leaves from his yard onto the road. Completely filled the lane.
jonawebb
2015-11-09 10:28:50
On the Penn Ave cycle track, they've placed a large DO NOT ENTER sign at intersection with 9th street, on the outbound side. I presume this is temporary until they replace the missing entry bollard (which will promptly get removed once snow starts falling) Regarding the extension to Stanwix, the bollards are yet to be installed but the painting is almost done. The westbound lane has a large arrow just before the intersection with Stanwix, to indicate that you have to merge with traffic at that point.
chrishent
2015-11-09 13:39:18
Pitt's been doing that along Bellefield as well. They have a giant cart-mounted blower they mostly use to push the leaves into the Cathedral lawn, but for some reason they sometimes blow everything into the road instead. (my favourite thing, though, was when they brought the tractor-towed blower to blow all the leaves into the lawn, then didn't turn it off before going down the path toward Forbes and blew all the leaves right back out onto the sidewalk.... smh)
epanastrophe
2015-11-09 13:54:16
I'm sure blowing leaves onto the street is littering and illegal -- so 911 if you feel like it. Same goes for shoveling snow onto the street, BTW.
jonawebb
2015-11-09 14:15:36
Looks like things have gotten worse since yesterday. More leaves in the lane, now thoroughly soaked with rain. It also looks like Pitt blew some leaves into the bike lane and piled them up. 311'd again, and I will be contacting the District 8 Office.
jason-pgh
2015-11-10 07:01:44
Yesterday at Penn and 6... A car parked in bikelane (inbound) two police cars with lights on... Suddenly real bright lights. It happened to be a tow truck positioning itself to work on the parked car. And this tow truck already had one car on it's flatbed. So the other car was towed with front tired raised. Good job!
mikhail
2015-11-10 08:30:13
Most of the bike lane appears to have been cleared of a lot of the leaves though, it's more ridable except that pile now.
benzo
2015-11-11 09:24:14
Watch for a brief bit of milled pavement on inbound Fifth Ave after Sixth Ave, downtown. A couple of bad holes got uncovered, too.
stuinmccandless
2015-11-11 10:39:10
Today was the first day this week I haven't tweeted to 311 because of several inches of leaves or piles of leaves purposefully made in the bike lane. There are still some, but I was actually able to ride the whole length of the BaBiOh bike lane without leaving (except to pass slower folks on climbs).
benzo
2015-11-12 11:04:20
In regards to leaves thrown out into street, I know some areas have leaf collection, but I am not aware of the city doing this. I fight leaves 5 days a week. I blow them curbside, then I sweep them up. CMU had the nerve to contact my boss, to say that there were leaves left all day on my walks....these guys have the equipment AND manpower, and campus sidewalks look like SHIT!
look-out
2015-11-12 12:13:50
Pittsburgh does have a single city leaf collection--in fact, it's this Saturday.
epanastrophe
2015-11-12 12:26:40
It's hella windy out there, yinz. Those of you heading east will get a sweet push. The rest, you'll get a mild test of character Also, Penn Ave cycle track extension to Stanwix is bollared up and ready to go
chrishent
2015-11-13 16:06:24
In case you weren't aware, the City plans to close the Parkway East this coming weekend to do prep work for the Greenfield Bridge implosion. Expect unpleasantness riding through the East End: http://www.post-gazette.com/image/2015/11/15/eastbig-png On the other hand, you'll probably get to your destination faster by bike than by any other means
chrishent
2015-11-16 12:02:31
The 6th St Bridge / Clemente bike lane, downstream side, is a nice mix of leaves, glass, and other urban debris.
stuinmccandless
2015-11-16 12:10:08
Be careful out there in the rain. After making it up all 13 Dirty Dozen hills without falling, I ate it hard yesterday evening cruising down Railroad St. in the Strip. Even though I ride that stretch every day and I hit the tracks at what I thought was a perfectly acceptable angle, my back tire slid into the grove and I hit the pavement at about 15 mph. Ended up in an ambulance with a dislocated elbow. The EMT told me they scoop up about 3 cyclists/motorcycle riders per week right there. Slow down and cross the tracks at exactly 90 degrees, especially when it's wet!
dberlin
2015-12-02 10:25:24
3 people a week sounds like the City and Railroad should have a pretty good idea by now that they've created a dangerous condition they need to mitigate.... especially if that's only the ones hurt badly enough to need medical attention...
epanastrophe
2015-12-02 10:31:23
I noticed yesterday that the construction near the Westinghouse memorial in Schenley Park was moved off of the street - so Circuit Drive is now open.
marko82
2015-12-02 14:07:46
It's 2016! Trump came to town today, and all Penn Ave got was ... https://flic.kr/p/MnZySz
paulheckbert
2016-09-23 00:31:13
Allegheny County PD left a bunch of horse shit in the bike lanes when Clinton came to town just after the convention, too....
epanastrophe
2016-09-23 10:55:49
  1. I'm thinking they fixed the bolts/bollards.  I rode the entire stretch of penn from the strip to the point today and didn't see that.  I'd usually notice that since I actively look for  ways I'd die while riding.  ("If I hit that, I'd probably flip and then get hit by a car.")
  2. Should we get rid of the different threads for spring/summer/fall/winter riding conditions and just have one consolidated thread?  After all, just because of the equinox doesn't mean that September 19ths problems aren't affecting September 23rd.  And having different threads makes it hard to have that continuity.
  3. They are setting up for the Great Race (sunday AM) at the point.  commonwealth place blocked off, usual amount of trucks, tents, etc.
edronline
2016-09-23 15:07:36
To be fair, there was horseshit aplenty during G-20, as well.  Some great riding Downtown, though, with all the street closures.
ka_jun
2016-09-23 16:10:44
Millvale was closed today at Liberty for some repair work. Couldn't tell if it was a ongoing thing or just one day.
edronline
2016-09-23 19:30:40
As of last night, he broken bollard bolts and such were not fixed are still a hazard in the Penn cycle track.
marko82
2016-09-24 08:43:00
East Street repaving is coming along nicely. No paint yet, as of about 9:30 Sunday.
stuinmccandless
2016-09-25 10:16:35
South Millvale is still a wreck from Liberty Ave to the Millvale Bridge. They've been doing construction for a few weeks now, close to a month I think. I advise taking Mathilda to Yew and getting onto Millvale in front of Sonny's. Just keep an eye out for cars whipping around the corners, as they're taking the short cuts too. Millvale Bridge to Liberty is often good, though there has been more debris in the bike lane and some sections of road were cut up and poorly patched. I did not see anyone working on my way this morning, and I typically do. I don't know when they'll be done, but I hope it's soon and I hope they redo the entire stretch of road instead of these awful patches. Allegheny Landing is starting to look like it might reopen soon. Fingers crossed, because I'm tired of going around the stadium. Anyone have more info on how the Science Center construction may end up impacting the NS trail? This is my main route to/from work and really hope I don't have to fight construction closures throughout the winter. Info I have is from here: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/11169068-74/center-science-pavilion
katzenmiau
2016-09-26 13:36:13
Good question re the science center.  There isn't much land between the current building and the trail/water, and that's right where they're putting up the new addition.  My guess is that this will close the trail at least temporarily.  As for shortcuts, maybe going between the casino and the science center and around. one positive thing that may come out of this is if they widen the trail when all is said and done.  It is curvy and hilly and a bit narrow there, with lots of foot traffic when the museum is open (people walking to the submarine).
edronline
2016-09-26 13:59:35
Casino has a big tent set up on the path, taking up over half of it.  It is hard to see around the tent so go slowly through the area.
edronline
2016-09-29 09:24:50
Large tree down across junction hollow trail. If it's dark and you're flying down the trail, be cautious.   Plates and loose gravel at the intersection of Baum and liberty. They're not the non slip plates. If you're turning right from Baum onot liberty, or if you're going straight through the intersection on Baum in the right hand lane, it will affect you.
stefb
2016-09-30 06:18:10
@stefb: I shared the fallen tree report with Jeffrey McCauley of Friends of the Riverfront.
paulheckbert
2016-09-30 12:27:04
Big construction plates on Butler near 35th. Sharp edges; could cause a pinch flat. Smooth sides; could be very slippy if wet. On the good side, they're orange, so you can see them a bit easier.
stuinmccandless
2016-09-30 12:54:47
S. Millvale construction is now reducing traffic to one-lane in the mornings. Often they will have workers with stop/slow signs at either end of the one-lane area. Saw some dumbass on a bike actively ignoring the sign holding workers yesterday, who told them to stop and kept going against oncoming traffic. Of course I then saw that same dumbass do a bunch of other dumbass things, which I'll forgo mentioning for brevity.
benzo
2016-09-30 14:46:52
Millvale park trail is miserable. Too mushy with all the rain.  Ride on the road.
edronline
2016-10-02 13:15:28
http://imgur.com/tqmI2g2 http://imgur.com/klhRuca   TWO tractor trailers and an RV taking up residence in the cycletrack this morning. A fellow cyclist called 911 for them at 5AM and talked with police who were 'trying' to get them to move. They were still there at 8:30 when we rolled through. There's a TON of space across the street and it's LEGAL to park there, why in the HELL do they need to block two travel lanes? How about I just set up a damned tent and sleeping bag in the middle of Penn Ave? It's the same thing. Um, hello? "TRYING"? WTF? How about issuing a hefty ticket every hour they're parked there, they'll move REAL quick.
rustyred
2016-10-03 11:50:23
The lower part of Federal Street has nice new pavement this morning. No lane stripes yet.
stuinmccandless
2016-10-03 13:50:51

Colleen, I barely ever use the Penn ave bike lanes because of shit like this.   As stu mentioned, part of federal has been paved, no signs up indicating when lines are to be drawn. There is a pedestrian crossing in front of my medical building, but no one let peds go when there WAS a crosswalk, so it is no different without one. I would have loved to have seen a raised crosswalk there, since so many employees cross federal to get to the hospital.   Follow up regarding he construction at highland and ELB: not only are there raised, sharp edges to the plates, but there are huge nuts and bolts sticking up randomly that can be dangerous.    
stefb
2016-10-03 22:52:47
Fifth has been milled from Craft to just past Kirkpatrick/Birmingham Bridge. Coming down that hill with no pavement and no lines was...exciting...
epanastrophe
2016-10-03 22:58:52
East Street repaving from Suffolk to the bridge over 279 is complete. The yellow lines separating northbound from southbound are down, but nothing white, as of Monday 6 p.m.
stuinmccandless
2016-10-04 12:27:38
Workers are installing scaffolding on the 31st street bridge sidewalk (downstream sidewalk, Strip side) so just be cautious.  They are rehabbing the building adjacent to the bridge and I think the scaffolding is to protect pedestrians from potentially falling stuff.
marko82
2016-10-07 11:10:35
Update on S. Millvale: open both directions. Liberty to SM Bridge is still a mess. Bike lane SM Bridge to light at Cypress is pretty messy. I've been taking the lane on my commute. Yew has been closed during the daytime while they work on that block, but open in the evenings (I've ridden it after 6:30pm). Science Center construction in the news: http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-design/carnegie-science-center-expansion-adds-classrooms-event-space-whole-new-riverfront-experience/ "The first-floor terrace will extend from the cafeteria toward the river trail and provide an amenity for trail riders to stop for a break, and access restrooms as well as food and drink." Sounds promising but no clarity on how construction will effect trail users. No sign of construction prep yet. Upper underpass of Warhol Bridge is closed off for bridge work. I've been taking the ramps up to the Isabella St. and riding around PNC Park to avoid the cluster of smokers that gather in the upper landing. But due to this, I'm not sure how close to being done they are. Still have trail detour signs up.
katzenmiau
2016-10-11 15:00:10
Traffic in Oakland will be *heavily* affected mid-day tomorrow (Oct.13) by the White House Frontiers Conference on campus. Avoid the area if at all possible. From the Pitt Police (emphasis added):
- October 12: Tennyson Avenue will be closed at 4:00 pm. - October 13: Lytton Avenue will be closed at 11:30 am. - October 13: Fifth Avenue (between Bellefield and Bigelow) will be closed at 1:00 pm and reopen at approximately 3:00 pm. - October 13: Both Tennyson Avenue and Lytton Avenue will reopen at approximately 10:00 pm.
epanastrophe
2016-10-12 12:42:04
Penn Ave and Spring Way are closed for filming between 26 & 27. 26th is closed between Penn and Liberty Aves. Cop I talked to said til midnight tonight and again tomorrow. Not sure what time it starts.
katzenmiau
2016-10-12 19:57:52
SUV, driving and parking under the Ft Duquesne ramp, off the 10th St bypass http://imgur.com/dZQeHwo Called this in to 911; sorry, but the trail isn't your own personal park-n-fish  
rustyred
2016-10-12 21:51:00
10/13/16 8H15 Intersection of Smithfield and Fifth downtown, there is a blue speed bump looking thing that is being used to protect a hose.  It's slick and high, so assuming you don't want to bunny hop it, make sure you hit it perpendicular, you're going to feel it.
ka_jun
2016-10-13 09:43:33
Was out riding my bike this morning and going through Point State Park I saw a ranger in a car patrolling.  Why do they patrol in a vehicle?  You can cover the entire park in 5-10 minutes by foot.  It would be perfect for a bicycle patrol too. Tangentially related, but that's my M.O.
edronline
2016-10-13 14:32:14
also tangentially related, for the last month there's been a guy living under the 31st street bridge, millvale side.  there was a huge camp there for about 6-12 months before it disappeared during the spring/early summer.  the previous camp was very well supported.  I think Operation Safety Net visited a lot.  They had a ton of wood.  There were a lot of food donations there in the AM when I went running/biking  they even had a tiny christmas tree.  this guy just seems like a tent, his bike, and a few chairs. What's the "rule" on living under the bridge?
edronline
2016-10-13 14:35:30
Not sure if it was mentioned, but the bike lanes on liberty ave got a refresh on the paint job (on the lines closer to the center of the street). This make the bike lanes more visible during the rain and (soon to be snow). Still not torch down, but at least they are keeping it maintained. Still waiting for rapaving of s. millvale ave. It's still really aweful with the trench of bad patchwork, potholes, etc... Hopefully that will be done by the end of the month.
benzo
2016-10-17 09:16:03
Three separate sections of Bellefield have been milled all the way across, although it looks like the actual job is a utility line repair in the far left lane.  Watch out just before and just after Fillmore, and just before Fifth.
epanastrophe
2016-10-18 14:56:02
10/21/16 8H15 Sidewalk at the intersection of Bates & Blvd of the Allies has a lot of wet leaves down this morning, exercise caution.  Right next to the Second Ave parking lot on EFT/Jail Trail, there is a LOT of fairly deep standing water, at least there was 2 hours ago, that drain is clogged I think.
ka_jun
2016-10-21 10:14:56

Was out jogging earlier this week and noticed that on river Ave sidewalk here it meets the 30th st and 31st st intersection, there is a 4" mismatch between the sidewalk when it hits the bridge.   I'll 311 it. Most bikers aren't on the sidewalk here but would cause a spill during low light conditions. Also not ada compliant.
edronline
2016-10-21 11:37:58
Two points: Lots of natural debris on South Side trail between 18th and 4th due to tree trimming near the trail. The trail is passable but extra care is probably warranted after dark until this stuff is removed. The Penn Ave cycle track has been temporarily removed on the 500 block of Penn, as this stretch is getting repaved. Should not be a problem for those heading inbound, but those going outbound need to be careful.
chrishent
2016-10-23 17:52:30
Thick metal plates with sharp edges in the Penn Ave cycletrack, forced us out into the wider travel lanes this morning. http://imgur.com/Sd3Kf3c     Still no markings on Penn between 6th and 5th.   http://imgur.com/GhPbBGY
rustyred
2016-10-26 10:45:35
S. Millvale ave near bloomfield is getting better, they fixed the trench down the southbound lane. There are still lots of chunky bits and pits here and there, so continue to use caution.
benzo
2016-10-26 13:56:29
recumbent forever? seen on Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail, Lisbon, OH https://flic.kr/p/NqsWb3
paulheckbert
2016-10-26 16:32:57
^that is one sweet ride.  I like the lights.
ka_jun
2016-10-27 17:45:37
As of 10am, they were repaving South Millvale Ave from Liberty to SM Bridge. It was one lane of traffic at the time. I don't know if they're doing both sides today, but I hope so. I got yelled at by a motorist for taking the middle of the lane (he was yelling and pointing at the bike lane when I was stopped by the construction flagger) but the road is garbage until they pave it so take that shit. Yew was paved this week to S Mathilda, but there was a lot of debris so ride carefully. Looks like they finally put the lines back on Penn Ave between 6th St and 5th Ave/Cecil Pl but bollards were absent as of 9pm last night.
katzenmiau
2016-11-03 14:37:38
A lot of street work around town, or at least where I travel through. This is great; I particularly appreciate the East Liberty bits on Highland. I can now actually look up. But it's confusing. Traditionally road work is only supposed to happen in the lead up to a municipal election (in particular, mayoral with an incumbent). Next week is only state & national. What am I missing?
ahlir
2016-11-03 19:46:34
We now have a mayor who invests in the city.
jonawebb
2016-11-03 21:14:03
And global warming makes the construction season longer.
edronline
2016-11-03 21:26:37
Paving equipment on Millville Ave. today, hopefully this is just a day or two away from being passable.
marko82
2016-11-03 21:32:25
2 Q s   Is east Ohio done yet?  It isn't listed in the post gazette traffic column any more   Any idea when Allegheny landing detour will be done?  The concrete has been poured for the trail section. Wish they'd open that up at this point.
edronline
2016-11-03 21:35:00
although the detour signs are still up on part of the trail, allegheny landing is completely open again!  Hooray!!  that was a most bike unfriendly detour. Also, I forget exactly which block, but I was in the Penn Ave bike lane today and somewhere between the Highmark Building and Heinz Hall all of the markings for the bike lane are gone. Bollards are gone too.  It was a bit scary riding it as I kept thinking that some car would think that Penn became two lanes there and ride in the bike lane.
edronline
2016-11-05 17:05:29
S. Millvale ave is mostly repaved, Smooth as butter for the most part. except for a few feet at the top of the hill at the liberty ave intersection. Watch for a bump at the transition. Bike lanes are painted as well. Looking good. Hopefully only another day or so of work left!
benzo
2016-11-07 09:53:00
Brownsville road from 18th street, through Mount Oliver & Knoxville, to Knox Avenue is now repaved.
marko82
2016-11-07 17:17:58
11/7/17 17H00 EFT/Jail Trail was closed off next to PNC, you can access next to Jail.  Not sure why and/or if it will be closed this week, did not hear about any closures.  
ka_jun
2016-11-07 18:32:25
Related to liberty bridge work maybe?
edronline
2016-11-07 18:57:00
11/8/16 9H00 EFT/Jail Trail still has caution tape across the bollards next to Golden Triangle and barrels w/ caution tape at the trailhead at Grant St.  That said, looks like someone may have taken down enough to be able to pass through and it's still unclear why that section has been closed off in the first place.
ka_jun
2016-11-08 09:56:43
Bollards are up on the 500 block of the Penn Ave cycle track
chrishent
2016-11-11 10:31:25
Looks like some one decided that the north shore trail under the 579 bridge would be an ideal place to dump some pallets. I 311ed it.
edronline
2016-11-11 14:03:43
Ice at Bayard and Neville
stefb
2016-11-14 06:06:25
Anyone else encounter Port Authority buses with the message "Change is Coming" today?  Saw a 51 at Smithfield and Fort Pitt Blvd with that message...
ka_jun
2016-11-14 09:31:58
They're talking about changes to the fare system and a 25¢ charge for using cash instead of the card. Also pay-enter. See http://simple.portauthority.org/.
jonawebb
2016-11-14 09:35:40
It's not about the election, if that's what you're thinking.... It's for the permanent pay-on-entry, cash surcharge, and other operational changes effective January 1st. See http://simple.portauthority.org for details. (It is a bit awkward-looking, though--at least one friend of mine was pretty weirded out by the first one she saw last week, too...)
epanastrophe
2016-11-14 09:39:27
FWIW, they started using those head signs a few days before the election. Bad timing...
chrishent
2016-11-14 09:41:53
Thanks.  The message was a bit unclear and nebulous, if you didn't have the context.
ka_jun
2016-11-14 10:27:53
Neville & Bayard has had a water main leak for months (first visible on Bayard, now erupting on Neville). It was liquid when I went through at around 10am this morning; warm air and sunlight can do that. Next real freeze looks to be coming in about a week. You'd think they'd have done something about it while the weather was still warm and the damage still contained...
ahlir
2016-11-14 11:45:26
311 says they cleaned up the debris under the 579 bridge on the north shore trial, btw. There have been a lot of articles in the paper about the PAT changes.  They seem pretty reasonable.  I heard a commercial about it today too. What other people have been saying -- pay in the front when you get on is the biggest change.  also no more zones.  all just one zone, one price. Trying to move people to the connect card which works just like the pitt and cmu ids -- hold them up to the orange reader, hear a beep, move on.
edronline
2016-11-14 15:45:48
To whomever has been placing reflective dot stickers on posts along the chainlink fence on the GAP, between the Hot Metal and Glenwood bridges: thanks! Those help a lot when riding in the dark, particularly when the trail is covered with leafs.
chrishent
2016-11-15 21:03:55
Allegheny Ave on the North Side is full of slippy metal plates.   http://imgur.com/o8ljZTq
rustyred
2016-11-16 10:03:09
Per FOTR website, they did not respond to a Twitter inquiry "Eliza Furnace: The section of the trail will be closed around the 1st avenue section of the Eliza Furnace Trail for 4 weeks while the PNC Bank First Side Center does renovation work. "   Not sure what type of work, as every time I have passed, I haven't seen anyone out there.
ka_jun
2016-11-16 16:22:14
11/17/16 8H15 Oakland and EFT/Jail Trail had substantial fog rolling over/through.  Hope you're running lights.  Hadn't burned off by the time I made it Downtown.  Be careful.
ka_jun
2016-11-17 08:57:36
I checked out the closed section of the trail on Wednesday and nothing has been done in two weeks other than cones have been out down.   It says to take a detour that isn't singed. The supposed detour is NOT safe. It takes you on the sidewalk in a business district, right next to the T station exit,  around a blind turn, and block before you get to a curb cutout.   What is with safe commuter routes being closed with no safe equivalent detour?   Can something be done about this before someone else gets hit by a car like the two people did on the south side a few months back?   who is responsible for this? Who can I contact? Is the friends of the riverfront? They're useless anyway, as their history of unhelpfulness proves.
stefb
2016-11-17 22:49:02
Agreed.  I saw "one call" paint markings on the ground indicating that they plan on digging at some point, but the trail should be open until that starts.
marko82
2016-11-18 07:52:53
@stefb: I suggest you try Tom Baxter at Friends of the Riverfront: https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/about-us/board-and-staff/ . I agree that they're not always as responsive as we'd like, but if we keep pressure on them, they're bound to get better. (I do volunteer work for FOR, so I can see the issues both from inside and from outside, a bit).
paulheckbert
2016-11-18 09:41:23
Just for context, I initially checked FOTR's site for any advisories, prior to attempting to inquire via Twitter and there was nothing posted.  If it matters, it looks like part of that wrought iron fence next to where the trailhead crosses Grant Street is down.  If I were to guess, I'd assume someone ran it over. The detour for trail users is unclear, I've seen both runners & cyclists just disregarding it and going through.  Inbound, I turn right at Golden Triangle, jump the curb after CAREFULLY checking both ways on First, and proceed to the intersection with Grant and use the cutout to get back onto the multiuse sidewalk to Smithfield.  There is some type of sign at Grant and the trailhead that says something about a closure and take Grant, but it doesn't seem particularly clear.
ka_jun
2016-11-18 11:23:18
11/21/16 8H15 Saw workers on the closed section of EFT/Jail Trail, they had a trailer w/ some type of heavy machinery.  Hopefully, that bodes well for the closure.
ka_jun
2016-11-21 10:51:58
Millvale Ave is getting thermoplastic bike lane markers at this hour (1pm 11/21), and it looks like the downhill sharrows will be next. In the meantime, watch for work trucks in the lane...
epanastrophe
2016-11-21 13:04:19
11/22/16 8H15 End of EFT/Jail Trail at Grant Street and multi-use sidewalk to Smithfield still closed, some type of work is proceeding and they have the off ramp down to one lane with cones due to some type of concrete blocks that have been piled up next to the fence. For the record, I use EFT/Jail Trail a minimum of twice a day and the equivalent might be if the intersection of Forbes and Murray was closed to vehicular traffic with no prior notification and no indication of when it might be open and I commuted through there by car every day.
ka_jun
2016-11-22 09:33:33
It's getting seriously cold out there. I put on my light-weight gloves this morning; it was a mistake. It was time for the good ones. Also, I really need to find that hat that fits under the helment. That said, it was a really fabulous day for riding. The streets were empty of bikers! Why?
ahlir
2016-11-22 19:46:50
I use either a thermal headband thing to keep my ears warm or of it is super cold a balaclava. Both easily fit under my helmet. And the headband Velcros in the back for easy removal when I get warm. Super double bonus is a plastic helmet cover to protect from rain and cold.
edronline
2016-11-22 21:26:58
I use a buff.  Works like a charm and I'm nearly bald :-)    
durishange
2016-11-23 13:20:31
Seriously cold?  No.  Not nearly, yet.
ka_jun
2016-11-23 21:24:12

Tooling around the old neighborhood for Thanksgiving, Shaker Heights outside of Cleveland. On every block of shaker Blvd the city put up two huge signs. One has a pic of a bike and says "bicycles may use full lanes". Sign below it says "change lanes to pass". Would be nice to have these around here.
edronline
2016-11-24 08:18:57
Penn Ave bike lane near 15th St narrowed because of sidewalk repairs. You can get through, but not both directions at once.
stuinmccandless
2016-11-28 10:17:14
11/28/16 8H15 End of EFT/Jail Trail at Grant Street and multi-use sidewalk to Smithfield still closed. @Ahlir if you're looking for a good under helmet hat, Turtle Fur comes highly recommended.  I found a bunch of them at Gabriel Brothers for $5, excellent product/hat.
ka_jun
2016-11-28 10:39:46
@JZ: Thanks! I have hats like that. But I also had a thin skullcap that I would put on for days like today, but it seems to have disappeared over the summer. I use one of those well-vented helmets that are great for summer but not so great in colder weather: I need something to shield my balding pate from the wind. I suppose I could get one of those Bern helmets, but the skullcap solution is more flexible. As the temperature dips I can escalate to warmer hats.
ahlir
2016-11-28 19:23:58

I hear toupees will be coming back into style?
edronline
2016-11-28 21:21:44
Glass on the North/East side of 40th Street bridge. Usually there's a little bit, but I rolled over two new clusters. 311'd. Use caution around the stairs at PNC Park also. I think there was glass but I couldn't see it well enough to be sure.
katzenmiau
2016-11-29 11:09:46
I just noticed the new bike corral on 10th St at Penn. Nice! Thanks! Now can we please remove the overhead sign about 100 feet back indicating the right-turn-only lane? (that's now where the corral is)
stuinmccandless
2016-11-30 01:39:41
12/07/16 8H15 End of EFT/Jail Trail at Grant Street and multi-use sidewalk to Smithfield still closed, though they were doing work on it this morning. 12/6/16 Greenfield Road to Pocusset Street is down to one lane/jersey barriers  due to the Greenfield Bridge construction project.
ka_jun
2016-12-07 10:06:30
S. Millvale Ave Paving is finally complete, the unfinished section was finished up on Monday 12/5/16. Paint may still be pending. Ongoing DLC electric work on bigelow blvd at parkman/ohara intersection in oakland by soldiers and sailors blocking bike lanes and sidewalk. Watch for pedestrians re-routed around DLC trucks.
benzo
2016-12-07 10:22:57
I rode that stretch today that Benzo reported on O'hara/bigelow.  There are cones rerouting traffic into the bike lane, so watch out. also, glass on the 40th street bridge sidewalk, the city side.  I'm going to 311 it.
edronline
2016-12-07 14:42:16
12/09/16 8H15 End of EFT/Jail Trail at Grant Street and multi-use sidewalk to Smithfield still closed, though there was a worker adjusting the caution tape strung across it this morning.  Balaclava weather today due to the wind.
ka_jun
2016-12-09 10:05:14
Miscreants, the lot of you!
chrishent
2016-12-10 16:07:41
Yes!   Second pic is never allowed to be a tag o rama tag.
edronline
2016-12-10 17:39:13
It's true what they say. I felt an insurmountable, involuntary need to slow down, riding through the tunnel.
vannever
2016-12-10 17:58:47
Glad you avoided the tunnel monster.
edronline
2016-12-10 20:10:50
It's raining ice. Watch out for slick roads tonight and tomorrow
chrishent
2016-12-11 21:27:26
Ft Pitt Bridge walkway is a slushy icy disaster. I crashed on it this morning. Be careful out there.
pinky
2016-12-12 08:46:57
More DLC work in bayard / Bigelow bike lanes in a couple different spots. S. Millvale bridge bike lanes a slushy / slippy mess, rode in the lane. I'm kind of worried about hitting the utility boxes installed in the road where s. millvale hits liberty. They are indented way more than all the others on that street, and placed right before the sharrow in the middle of the lane.
benzo
2016-12-12 09:06:20
Are you ok, pinky? The Fort duq bridge is my usual route, but after crashing several times, and seeing how long it took for Dan's ankle to heal after a crash there also, I opted for the shorter way to work to avoid that.   I am going to start a new thread asking who is in charge of taking care of that walkway this year. It seems to vary
stefb
2016-12-12 10:14:45
^Try to 311 the sunken utility lids.  If the city used a contractor to pave the street they might be able to force them to make the lids flush (at the contractors expense, not the city = bonus!)  
marko82
2016-12-12 10:17:10
12/12/16 8H15 End of EFT/Jail Trail at Grant Street still closed, there was light slush on the areas you normally find slush this time of year, temps have been cooperating and above freezing.
ka_jun
2016-12-12 13:21:04
I'm OK, mostly. I was coming into the Point and it went from slush to ice in a moment. My bike slid out from under me, and I went down and smacked my head off of the concrete barrier to the left. It's a bad spot because once you start to go, there's nothing but concrete all around. I was able to get to work no problem, but I started feeling shitty, so I had my spouse come get me to get checked out. I have a concussion, but my helmet took the brunt of the fall. I'm otherwise unhurt.  
pinky
2016-12-12 15:56:30
You could always consult with a lawyer to see if you have a case, especially if that stretch has a history of neglect. A FOIA request would be able to see how much the area has been complained about and how much they actually salt that area. They should keep records. If there is a history of neglect it puts pedestrians and bikers in danger.
edronline
2016-12-12 19:31:08
Found the following useful url on Nextdoor: https://city.temeda.com/# Shows where city snowplows are operating; apparently this is real-time. This morning's forecast for snow was "negligible to 1 inch". Hah. It was looking snowy enough outside my window that I decided to head home early. The ride was reasonable, though it's pretty slushy. But most of the drivers were considerate enough to slow down. I hardly got splashed. While it's all slush, the slow continues to fall. The intersections were starting to develop plaques of frozen snow. And the temperature is ~freezing. So be careful.
ahlir
2016-12-13 15:25:13
Keep in mind, even if they treat the jail trail or other trails, since they are not 'roads', the software doesn't map the plows/salt treatment to trails.  At least that's how It was explained to me when I asked. I see streets on both ends of the junction hollow trail were treated, so it may have, but it's hard to tell since it won't show on the map.
benzo
2016-12-13 16:22:49
PennDOT to do "manhole work" on Second Ave between Saline and Swinburne, in the gap between the Jail Trail & Junction Hollow, starting tonight weather permitting and continuing nightly the rest of the week: https://twitter.com/Allegheny_Co/status/808730633006706690 too bad there's not some other way to get across that rail line, eh...?
epanastrophe
2016-12-13 16:28:00
If anyone takes either the jail trail/junction hollow or the north side trail tonight, could you report back with conditions? I bike in at 5am, and I am trying to figure out regular bike on roads vs fat bike on trails if snow vs studded tires because everything is frozen. Thanks.
stefb
2016-12-13 18:57:20
Stef, at 5:50 pm it was covered with snow and it was about 33F per my car thermometer. There were some bike tire prints as well as human being foot prints. Taking into account that now is about 31F at USC, and that snow is really wet and heavy -- it's going to be very icy at EFT. Spikes would work I think.
mikhail
2016-12-13 20:07:48
I took the North Shore trail the whole way from Clemente Bridge to Millvale around 6 pm tonight, on a 29 x 2.35 mountain bike (no studs). It was a beautiful ride, cruising over about 3" of new fallen snow.  Had to go kinda slow, but not too slippy. I suspect you could do it tomorrow on a fat bike no problem, but there may be some more ice after a chilly night.
dberlin
2016-12-13 21:49:46
North Shore from Peggy's Harbor to PNC Park had a good deal of snow when I went through at 630-7. Several bike and pedestrian tracks. I slid a little on my road tires, hit a few icy bits in other tracks. Went pretty slow. Clemente bridge bike lane was an icy mess, rode in the road. Most of Penn bike lanes were clear. Spring way had been salted, but wasn't fully clear at 7pm. Liberty bike lanes were pretty slushy. Hoping they get to that overnight but doubtful.
katzenmiau
2016-12-13 22:36:12
5:15am: Morning commuter report: i used studded tires. Negley and Baum were fine. Liberty bike lanes through Bloomfield had patches of ice at intersections. Some snow as well. Liberty Avenue bike lane going downhill into the strip was covered in snow. Possibly ice. Penn Avenue through the strip was fine. Ice in the bike lane inseveral spots between 16th and 11th St. Bike lane on the Clemente bridge is clear on both ends, covered in ice and snow at the crest.
stefb
2016-12-14 06:11:26
North shore trail to Millvale was snowy/icy. 40th street bridge sidewalk was snow over ice. Very slow commute even with studded tires. Probably could have taken more air out of the tire. I was super cautious. I don't need broken bones before I start a new job.
stefb
2016-12-14 16:47:28
So I will ask the question again.. for like the millionth year in a row... there were tire tracks from a motorized vehicle on the trail, but nothing was plowed or salted. So why are there vehicles on the trails? Why isn't anything being done to clear snow and salt?
stefb
2016-12-14 16:50:00
It's those Alcosan trucks. They fly around out there with reckless abandon.
chrispissingrivers
2016-12-14 16:59:27
Where are they going to/from that they have to use the trail?
stefb
2016-12-14 18:04:45
I see the Alcosan guys out there all the time.  I think that a worker checks the Alcosan storm sewer outflows over there every day.  When I go out running early on Friday mornings I always see the same alcosan guy on the north shore trail on the same route. Every 1/2 to 1 mile, right next to the trail (esp between 3 rivers rowing and downtown) there are built up concrete things, some chained off. I guess they need to make sure that they are not blocked up, not vandalized.  Maybe there are flow meters in there too.  They may also have a way to detect how much crap (literally) is coming out, as if we get any decent amount of precipitation at all we get combined sewer outflow, causing our poop to go directly into the river.
edronline
2016-12-14 19:55:14
By the way -- fat tire bikes.  good for snow, but do they do they help on ice?
edronline
2016-12-14 20:00:07
Eliza Furnace Trail conditions, 8pm: West end between Liberty Bridge & 10th St Bridge/2nd Ave parking lot: trail very icy much of the way. But you'll find almost no ice if you bike on the road just under the jail, and through the parking lot parallel to the trail. From there to Swinburne parking lot: mostly fine (has been plowed, asphalt quite free of ice) but there are occasional icy patches you need to watch out for, e.g. on the slope near the Birmingham Bridge, and on the bridge over Bates.
paulheckbert
2016-12-14 21:28:38
Penn Ave bike lane as of 21h30 Wednesday is mostly clear with patchy ice, mostly at the intersections, from Sixth to past Garrison; from Tenth to 16th it is increasingly less patch and more ice. Spring Way is mostly clear, with occasional ice patches mostly at the centerline, between 16th & 28th.
epanastrophe
2016-12-14 22:02:34
Sorry so late, was out of the office yesterday, busy day today. 12/15/16 8H15 Secondary Oakland roads were mostly dry.  Bates St. sidewalk has some icy patches, nothing major.  Second Ave. sidewalk to the wood ramp is dry.  Wood ramp has snow over ice.  EFT/Jail Trail mostly dry, couple of light icy sections before the flyover, then another couple of icy sections next to the Second Ave. parking lot.  Trail closure still in effect at trailhead/Grant St, Multiuse path between Grant St. and Smithfield has some ice on it.  Downtown was clear.  Will report again on the commute home.
ka_jun
2016-12-15 16:59:16
Schenley Dr lanes:
  • Downhill: Don't do it. Take the lane.
  • Uphill: There's like this shovel-width bare path which is really nice. But wind-blown snow overwhelms the bits in the middle and at the top. Did someone actually did this for bikes?
Squirrel Hill in general:
  • Busy roads are all clear but there's solid ice at the edges.
  • Intersections on side roads tend to be be iced (at the stops).
Rain and high temps on Saturday. Should clean things up...
ahlir
2016-12-15 20:42:22
12/15/16 17H00 Downtown was fine, First Avenue to the garage was fine, EFT/Jail Trail has sporadic ice next to the Jail and on the standard low lying segments that typically drain poorly, dry to the flyover, then you'll encounter ice that if you slow down and are careful with your line, you'll be able to avoid, clear to the wood ramp, wood ramp is treacherous, Second Ave sidewalk fine, Bates St. sidewalk mostly fine except for a fairly substantial segment of ice, roads in Oakland were fine.  Be careful if you're commuting in the dark, the ice is difficult to see if you have "be seen" lights.  (Or have no lights, I'm looking at you, rider I encountered on Cherry Way).  I'm running studded tires, so the ice wasn't a major issue for me.  
ka_jun
2016-12-15 21:30:54
The news showed a water pipe break at ligonier and liberty, with thick ice and slush around 5am. I took penn into town.   Also water valve break in shadyside at Elmer and negley reportedly.
stefb
2016-12-16 06:15:18
Wm Penn Way at Oliver, watch for large patch of solid (though dirty) ice. I think they hosed out a dumpster, so it's thick ice.
stuinmccandless
2016-12-16 09:49:48
S. Millvale bridge lane is mostly ice heading to Liberty. Other side had about half the lane clear. Liberty was mostly good coming down from Bloomfield. A few small patches in the lane. Still wet at Ligonier and Liberty. Downhill right lane was full of slush around the bend at the light close to 11am. Penn Ave from 32nd to 6th was pretty good. There was a caterer truck parked in the bike lanes at 10th but hopefully not all day. North Side trail, where there are businesses, is fine. As soon as you get to the wooded sections, it's snow on top of ice. Who's supposed to clear the trails? And this has been two weeks of water rushing out where Kroll Drive meets the trail. They threw a pile of salt next to it before the snow, but apparently no one will do the rest of it.
katzenmiau
2016-12-16 12:07:18
12/16/16 8H15 Secondary Oakland roads were mostly dry.  Bates Street towards Second Ave clear.  Bates St. sidewalk has some icy patches.  Second Ave. sidewalk has a small icy patch near the bridge, to the wood ramp is dry.  Wood ramp has snow over ice.  EFT/Jail Trail mostly dry, four light icy sections, before the flyover,  icy sections next to the Second Ave. parking lot.  Trail closure still in effect at trailhead/Grant St, Multiuse path between Grant St. and Smithfield has some ice on it.  Downtown was clear.
ka_jun
2016-12-16 12:50:35
@StuInMcCandless that info re: Wm Penn/Oliver is useful to me, thanks.  Will keep an eye out.
ka_jun
2016-12-16 12:53:12
Who’s supposed to clear the trails? 
The city, usually.  Try reporting it to 311.
epanastrophe
2016-12-16 13:28:07
Update on WmPenn/Oliver ice: I just walked across this very spot. (I now work in the Union Trust Bldg.) They've salted this area heavily, but there is still residual dampness. Given how cold it is, I would still be very wary of this, even if the inch-thick shelf is gone.
stuinmccandless
2016-12-16 14:45:46
Reminder that we are supposed to get precipitation tonight around midnight and after, and some may/will be freezing rain. So be very careful tomorrow AM before it warms up and turns into regular rain. The positive thing is that 50 and rainy tomorrow should get rid of all of the snow and ice.
edronline
2016-12-16 16:10:38
Be super careful. Fell just walking out to get the paper. Ice + rain on top.
jonawebb
2016-12-17 08:38:48
North shore trail is icy on "bridge" between three Rivers rowing and 31st bridge. (Directly across the river from their Washington's landing boathouse)
edronline
2016-12-18 09:44:32
Regarding Monday afternoon flooding: Issuing Office: Pittsburgh Source: National.Weather.Service 12:09pm EST, Sun Dec 18 THE FLOOD ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR THE OHIO RIVER AT PITTSBURGH. * UNTIL THIS EVENING. * AT 11AM SUNDAY THE STAGE WAS 17.1 FEET. * FLOOD STAGE IS 25.0 FEET. * FORECAST... THE RIVER WILL RISE TO NEAR 20.5 FEET TOMORROW EARLY AFTERNOON. * IMPACT... AT 20.0 FEET, WATER IS UP TO ONE FOOT DEEP IN THE LOWER AREAS OF THE NORTH SHORE RIVERWALK.  
vannever
2016-12-18 12:38:30
Does anyone have reports on the Fort Duquesne pedestrian bridge, jail trail, junction hollow trail, or the north shore trail/40th street bridge sidewalk?
stefb
2016-12-19 09:52:02
Low lying areas of North Shore trail, specifically between the stadiums, is free of water but has ice from the receding river. I took the street and could see some bits of it. Possibly some ice-less areas, but I recommend the high road until it's treated or melts. The other parts of the trail from Millvale to Peggy's Harbor was clear of snow with small ice patches in shadowy areas. Flyover bridge between 40th and 31st streets has ice in the joints. 40th Street bridge sidewalk had some workers clearing some debris around 10:15am but no construction. Not sure if it was salt or still broken glass in a few spots.
katzenmiau
2016-12-20 11:57:29
Again, watch Wm Penn Way past Oliver. Same dumpster, new hosing down, so new brown ice all over the street.
stuinmccandless
2016-12-20 14:04:35
Nursed a cold, but back on the bike today... Roads are great, but:
  • Bayard near Neville: the mains leak is back, and the bike lane is thick ice.
  • Neville: the first pot-holes of the winter! (not quite like the first star of xmas...)
  • Ellsworth near Filbert: ice from a water spill / line break.
ahlir
2016-12-20 18:47:33
Now that it's Winter, should we switch over to the existing http://localhost/message-board/topic/winter-riding-conditions-report/ thread, or are people tired of this seasonal thread-hopping? Yesterday, on the GAP trail, near the eagles and Glenwood Bridge, there was an icy puddle or "Eagle Lake" about six inches deep. I recommend following the gravel detour along the RR tracks instead of trying to bike through the puddle. Wet feet at 0C are no fun. https://flic.kr/p/Qr4VoP
paulheckbert
2016-12-21 14:15:00
I think we should stop using named threads and create a single riding conditions thread. Call it "Riding Conditions Report" Especially now that they fixed the 26 page limit issue.
benzo
2016-12-21 14:55:52
I agree
jonawebb
2016-12-21 14:57:03
Maybe wait until next week and do a new thread for the new year?
epanastrophe
2016-12-21 15:16:01
...
benzo
2016-12-21 15:31:40
I like the idea of structuring these continuing topics via new yearly threads (i.e. 2016-conditions, 2017-conditions, 2017-tagorama, etc). YMMV.
ornoth
2016-12-22 08:36:33
I was just logging in to post about that lake. I rarely head out that way, fewer than 5x/year, but last night, in the dark, I found it, big time. Not being able to see it, I first sensed water, then that it was full width, but ran into slush, then frozen slush, then thick enough that it slowed me to a stall, and I couldn't make it to trail edge fast enough, and went over. I did manage to spring off the trail onto higher ground only getting one foot wet, but I had a devil of a time getting the bike out. Pushing it along the frozen ice was itself difficult. Why the poor drainage, and only right there? I hardly saw a single wet spot all the way from the Hot Metal Bridge until I got to that. And despite reading various other posts on the board late yesterday, I managed not to see that one. Or I might not have gone that way. (See my Browns Hill Rd thread.)
stuinmccandless
2016-12-22 08:54:12
Jeff McCauley at Friends of the Riverfront told me and other Three Rivers Heritage Trail trail stewards a few months ago that FOR was taking bids to fix drainage there and eliminate that puddle/lake, long term. I don't know their schedule for that work.
paulheckbert
2016-12-22 13:20:38
^the 'lake' was completely frozen today ~3pm with lots of chunks from where people were walking on it and it gave way.  It is passible though without getting wet.
marko82
2016-12-22 16:26:49
Bids, hell. Someone get down there with a shovel and dig a drainage trench. Please. Now. Fix it properly come warm weather, sure, but that's just plain dangerous right now. A bit different scenario, someone could whack their head, lose consciousness, and drown, it was deep enough.
stuinmccandless
2016-12-22 16:31:18
While I'm not on the GAP terribly often, Eagle Lake forced me homeward at least three or four times in 2016. Forty or fifty yards of six-plus inch deep water is definitely an issue for navigation and safety, not just an inconvenience. However, getting anyone to take responsibility for it...
ornoth
2016-12-22 16:52:26
lol you're expecting friends of the riverfront to do something in a timely manner to help with safety of cyclists? They're a waste. They have done nothing to help with any of the past and current jail trail issues.   Stu, are you ok?
stefb
2016-12-22 21:33:33
I've never fully understood why trail maintenance in this city/area is managed by a private, if non-profit, entity.  They don't seem to be that good at it...
epanastrophe
2016-12-22 21:49:10
Whatever borough that is over there certainly wouldn't maintain it either.
edronline
2016-12-23 06:44:46
Thanks for the photo. I linked to it in my Festivus post this morning ("feats of strength"). Seriously, though, where is all that water coming from? I suspect some of it is snow melt from last week, but with no other puddles to speak of in eight miles, the problem is clearly just right there. What's keeping it contained there? Knotweed? The slag heap in the background? I played with enough puddles as a kid to know it wouldn't build up like that unless it's trapped in some way. And that it probably wouldn't take much of a cut to allow it to drain off .
stuinmccandless
2016-12-23 09:12:23
I believe that puddle area is in city of Pgh proper; Baldwin starts about 150 yards further downriver. The area along the RR tracks near there has always been a little marshy ever since the trial went in, but it was never quite this bad.  My guess is that that there is a collapsed drain-pipe causing this. BTW, prior to the gravel operation that area used to be a small gas/oil tank farm.
marko82
2016-12-23 10:59:06
On download slope of Herron Avenue from Polish Hill going to the Strip, before the East Busway station, there is water pouring out of a crack in the road.  This will turn into a super ice sheet when frozen and bikers and cars will really enjoy a thrill.  It happens to be right uphill of the big curve to the left in the road.   I 311ed this as well as emailed info@pgh20.com.  I tried called PWSA but got hung up on by the automated system.
edronline
2016-12-23 14:12:48
For jail trail users: the gravely patch that is supposed to be temporary under the liberty bridge is getting rutted out and sketchy in spots. Could cause potential to eat shit   construction at the end of the trail on the downtown side is STILL not done. Still no detour.
stefb
2016-12-23 16:30:27
That would be pgh2 O, not pgh 2 ZERO. As in, H2O. Pittsburgh Water.
stuinmccandless
2016-12-23 17:06:22
Called PWSA--that's 412-255-2423 if you need it--and in addition to the aforementioned leak in Herron just below Dobson, also confirmed a leak in Liberty just below 40th (the supervisor was apparently just on their way there), and also one on Bayard between Craig and Neville. Watch out for a giant puddle in the outbound bike lane there. While I'm at it--beware also of electrical work on inbound Bayard near Dithridge; a pair of Duquesne Light trucks were blocking the inbound bike lane just before the top of the rise there.
epanastrophe
2016-12-23 21:33:04
Thanks Buffalo.bayard was clear as a bell today outbound when I biked it at 11. Tis the season for water main breaks as the ground freezes and thaws. stu- I did use the right email adress. Just typed it in wrong here.   Also, the concrete part of Centre (near Shadyside hospital) is a disaster. Much worse than I remember when I used to commute to Oakland 2 years ago. Any plans for the city to replace it? Worst part is that the seam is super open right where a bike should ride, between the traffic and the parked cars.  
edronline
2016-12-23 22:50:08
Centre has been a wreck since they did the work on Baum. Traffic was detoured on that stretch from Craig and it all got really chewed up. Definitely use caution on that stretch. I'd recommend Bayard for Craig to Morewood. They pushed back repaving til 2017 because of other infrastructure work. Helpful to reference this website: https://pap.accela.com/envista-public-web/index/Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh/PittsburghMap
katzenmiau
2016-12-23 23:56:50
One wild place on downhill straightaway before butler- big patch of ice in the bike lane. You'll eat it if you hit this at 20+ mph. Take the lane.
edronline
2016-12-24 16:59:55
I reported the icy "Eagle Lake" on the GAP trail to Pittsburgh 311 on 12/24 and they replied to me on 12/26: "sir, this part is maintained by baldwin boro. city maintenance ends at becks run road."
paulheckbert
2016-12-27 11:54:13
FWIW, the Eagle Lake was completely dry today.  It doesn't look like any dirt was disturbed or any other work was done;  just a few days of above freezing weather. Also, I've watched the Baldwin guys mow grass and they don't start until their welcome-sign a few hundred yards away.
marko82
2016-12-27 18:14:44