Commuters forced to deal with construction on a portion of Bigelow Boulevard that runs through the University of Pittsburgh campus will receive a Christmas Eve gift.
Pitt and the City of Pittsburgh are reopening a “reimagined” Bigelow Boulevard between Fifth and Forbes avenues on Thursday.
Pitt partnered with the city on a new Bigelow that improves pedestrian safety and accommodates all modes of transportation more efficiently, according to the university.
The project provides a new streetscape with separated paths for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
“I’d like to thank Chancellor Gallagher and the Oakland community for developing and implementing an improvement plan that creates a safer experience for the thousands of people who use this block of Bigelow,” said Mayor Bill Peduto.
The streetscape design includes expanded sidewalks and crosswalk lanes, an enhanced mid-block pedestrian crosswalk and improvements to the bus stop area.
The project includes new green spaces and a system that will manage rainfall through sustainable landscaping practices.
“I am grateful to Mayor Bill Peduto and the City of Pittsburgh for their continued partnership,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “The new-and-improved Bigelow Boulevard is safer, more accessible, and set to enhance how University of Pittsburgh students, neighbors and visitors will experience Oakland for decades to come.”
The pandemic delayed completion of the project which cost $23.7 million and was funded by Pitt’s general budget and $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Pitt has sought to create a safer, more campus-like atmosphere around that part of Bigelow Boulevard for many years. In 1997, it proposed closing the block completely, but the move was met with strong opposition from Oakland residents and Pittsburghers who had been critical of the university’s steady expansion over decades.
