The university wanted to limit a section of Bigelow Boulevard to pedestrians, but the city pushed for a compromise: better crosswalks and traffic calming features. Now the challenge is finding the funds.
University campuses may be pedestrian havens, but they're also part of the wider urban fabric. For the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ed Blazina writes, "The University of Pittsburgh would prefer to make Bigelow Boulevard a pedestrian plaza between Forbes and Fifth avenues, but if that's not possible it's on board with City of Pittsburgh recommendations to improve safety by rebuilding the street."
The city's $4 million proposal involves installing planters in the road, relocating the crosswalk, and adding protected bike lanes. "With the plans ready to go, the remaining issue is funding the project. The university has agreed to contribute $2 million, but the city applied for the other half through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and [...] was notified it would receive $500,000."
According to Karina Ricks, director of Pittsburgh's Office of Mobility and Infrastructure, the city isn't ready to close the street to vehicles. But "rebuilding part of Bigelow is part of an overall city strategy for making Oakland more pedestrian friendly, Ms. Ricks said."
FULL STORY: City, Pitt have plan to rebuild part of Bigelow Boulevard to improve safety
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