Pittsburgh Project Could Include Corridor for Driverless Vehicles

A massive redevelopment project moving forward in Pittsburgh would provide in-demand office and tech space near local universities. An innovative transportation infrastructure project could be a part of the deal.

1 minute read

September 3, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Pittsburgh officials hope to advance plans for a new transportation corridor linking Oakland with the city’s biggest undeveloped parcel, the former LTV Steel site on the Monongahela River," reports Jon Schmitz.

The transportation corridor plan has evolved since it was first introduced in 2009. Gone is the plan for rail, and in its place is a proposal for "rubber-tire shuttles"—perhaps even autonomous vehicles under development at Carnegie Mellon University.

Schmitz reports that the Urban Redevelopment Authority approved an application for a state grant of $3 million, which would help pay for the estimated costs of $7.2 million for the first phase of the transportation corridor project.

The transportation corridor is considered a key component necessary for the success of a redevelopment proposal for the Almono site, as the former steel site is now called. "The Almono site...is owned by four regional foundations and its development is being managed by RIDC Corp. Some site work and a long-range mixed-use development plan have been prepared, but transportation connections are inadequate," according to the article.

Saturday, August 29, 2015 in Pittsburg Post-Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3, 2025 - Governing

White park shuttles with large Zion logo on side and red rock cliffs in background in Zion National Park.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”

Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

4 hours ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful

Chart of federal transportation funding comparing Biden and Trump administration spending.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden

Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

5 hours ago - Transportation for America

Close-up on yellow and black TAXI sign on top of beige car in central Munich, Germany.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence

Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.

6 hours ago - Bloomberg