PITTSBURGH — Huge crowds flocking to the South Side on the weekends this summer have led to a spike in crime, and city officials are hoping changing traffic patterns will help ease that.
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The city’s Department of Public Safety is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to enact the following changes, in effect starting this weekend:
- From 7 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, vehicle traffic will be allowed OUTBOUND ONLY on East Carson Street between S.10th and S.18th streets.
- Side streets from S.11th to S.17th inclusive will be closed to traffic. Vehicles will be diverted around those streets via either Muriel Street or Sarah Street. Only valid residential permit holders will be allowed to enter these areas.
- Only emergency vehicles and Port Authority buses will be allowed to travel in both directions on East Carson Street.
- Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft will not be permitted on East Carson Street between S. 10th and S. 18th streets. Passengers must arrange pickup and drop-off points in advance, utilizing one of the open side streets.
- Parking and deliveries will be prohibited on either side of East Carson Street between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Pittsburgh police officers will be posted in key areas to ensure the safe flow of traffic.
- During this pilot period, PennDOT is working closely with the City of Pittsburgh to halt overnight work in connection with its East Carson Street Improvement Project
These changes will be in place for the foreseeable future in an effort to mitigate gridlock, allow for a dedicated emergency vehicle corridor, and create a safer, more pleasant experience for residents and visitors to the South Side.
“Public Safety recognizes that these traffic shifts will be an adjustment to those who live in or frequent the South Side. Our personnel will be working closely with businesses and community groups to ensure a seamless transition. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience during this time,” said Wendell Hissrich, Pittsburgh Public Safety Director.
Word of the weekend restrictions on the south side are spreading from block to block.
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“I understand that completely, but there are shootings all through Pittsburgh, it’s not like there are shootings on just this street,” Katina Stewart said.
Dave Root works at a tattoo parlor on that stretch, and thinks it could impact business.
“I think it will hurt because people come here and see it, if they have to go one way, how are they going to get turned around to find a place to park? They have to go to the other end and that point it’s like not worth it,” Root said.
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