Phase One of the Green Boulevard – Complete
A new pathway under the 40th street bridge is now complete and creates a crucial connection from Lower Lawrenceville to Central Lawrenceville. This new connection goes directly behind the Arsenal 201 Development, underneath the 40th Street Bridge and exits onto Willow Street and the neighborway. This connection creates a safe pathway for bikers and pedestrians and completes Phase 1 of the Green Boulevard.
The Green Boulevard is a plan that reimagines riverfront access, land use, transportation, and open space along 6 miles of the south shore of the Allegheny River. In order to create this plan, the URA, City of Pittsburgh, Riverlife, and the Allegheny Valley Railroad engaged stakeholders to create and envision this area and the plan has been used to guide riverfront development since it was first conceived in 2010. This shared path is a big step in making this come to fruition, and is just the first of many to come!
Lawrenceville Corporation believes that open space is cherished, filled with amenities, and accessible to all; the riverfront is vital public space for all, serving as a connector and destination; and well-designed mobility infrastructure serves 21st Century needs, and ensures safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation. The connection under the 40th street bridge is just the beginning of the Green Boulevard and connections that can benefit the Lawrenceville community.
The pathway just opened, and you can already hear from many about the benefits to their lives. Many residents have felt that the 40th street bridge intersection is too dangerous and cars speed through this main thoroughfare in the neighborhood. Armin Samii, the chair of Better Streets Lawrenceville and a resident says, “Riding a bicycle next to fast-moving traffic can be scary. This path is not just a convenience: we are now one step closer to having a safe, low-stress route from Lawrenceville to Downtown on bike.”
Many partners worked together to make this happen: County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Councilwoman Deb Gross, Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, Allegheny County DPW, Bike PGH, Friends of the Riverfront, Lawrenceville Corporation, Lawrenceville United, Better Streets Lawrenceville, and the developers at Arsenal 201.