Traffic calming project begins in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood

PITTSBURGH — Traffic calming construction starts Monday in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood.

According to the city, the project focuses on Dunster Street between Hartranft Street and Abstract Avenue and will take place over at least two days.

Part of the project includes constructing speed humps. The city says signage and pavement markings will be installed to alert motorists of the speed humps.

This road was targeted for a traffic calming project because of data collected since 2021 that shows more than 60% of drivers speed on it, with most of that group driving more than 33 miles per hour.

This past August, Elizabeth Penn moved to Dunster Street. Right away, she noticed drivers flying past her and her neighbors, which made her morning walks with her dog, Oreo, a little uneasy.

“The other day, we were crossing the street and I didn’t see anything – all of the sudden, we were in the street, and one was whipping right down. It came out of nowhere,” Penn said. “They speed all the time. It’s really bad.”

Several neighbors pointed out the area is home to three Pittsburgh city schools.

“The cars – a lot of them – come flying down here. Considering a lot of kids walk to school, it’s kind of disturbing,” said Jeff Brust, who has lived in Brookline for most of his life.

Neighbors said traffic calming measures in the area have been a long time coming and said they’re thankful that the city is taking the initiative to save lives.

“I think part of it, people from the suburbs cut through here. They want to get their quick. Maybe if they were driving on their streets, they wouldn’t go as fast,” Brust said.

“My parents live on Crysler [Street] too, so they wish they could have some on theirs because they’re whipping down Crysler too,” Penn said.

During construction, there will be intermittent closures of Dunster Streets, so the city encourages drivers to find an alternative route — although residents will be allowed through. Parking is completely restricted.

The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure said traffic calming is one of the most requested services in the city.

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