New visitors patterns in Pittsburgh’s South Aspect start this weekend in hopes of enhancing security – WPXI

By jimadmin On Jul 30, 2021

PITTSBURGH – Huge crowds flocking to the South Side this summer’s weekends have spurred a surge in crime, and city officials hope changing traffic patterns will help make this easier.

Channel 11’s Mike Holden walks you through the changes starting tonight – on Channel 11 Morning News, on TV, and in our streaming apps.

The city’s Department of Public Safety is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to enact the following changes, which will go into effect this weekend:

On Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., vehicular traffic is ONE-WAY ONLY on East Carson Street between S.10. and p.18. Street allowed.
Side streets from S.11th up to and including S.17th will be closed to traffic. Vehicles will be diverted around these streets on either Muriel Street or Sarah Street. Only valid holders of a residence permit are allowed to enter these areas.
Only Port Authority vehicles and buses are allowed in both directions on East Carson Street.
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are not permitted on East Carson Street between S. 10th and S. 18th Streets. Passengers must arrange pick-up and drop-off points in advance and use one of the open side streets.
Parking and deliveries are prohibited on either side of East Carson Street between 7:00 PM and 4:00 AM
Pittsburgh police officers are stationed in critical areas to keep traffic flowing safely.
During this pilot phase, PennDOT is working closely with the City of Pittsburgh to end night work related to their East Carson Street Improvement Project

These changes will be made for the foreseeable future to mitigate traffic collapse, enable a dedicated corridor for emergency vehicles, and create a safer and more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors to the South Side.

“Public safety understands that these modal shifts will be an adaptation for those who live in or visit the South Side. Our staff will work 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.

News of the weekend restrictions on the south side spreads from block to block.

“I totally understand, but there are shootings all over Pittsburgh, it’s not that there are shootings only on this street,” said Katina Stewart.

Dave Root works in this field at a tattoo parlor and believes it could have an impact on the business.

“I think it’s going to hurt because people come here and see it, if they have to go one way then how are they turned around to find parking? You have to go to the other end and it’s not worth it, ”said Root.