Pittsburghers have combined reactions to the weekend visitors restrictions on East Carson Road – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The city’s latest effort to reduce violence and large crowds on East Carson Street went into effect Friday night.

“Hopefully it will relieve what’s going on down here,” said Britainy Geiger, a Doce Taqueria employee.

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This is what drivers should expect on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on East Carson Street. Vehicles can only travel one way from South 10th to South 18th Street towards Birmingham Bridge.

(Photo credit: KDKA)

Parking and deliveries are prohibited on the same section of East Carson Street. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft also cannot pick up people.

The back streets from South 11th to South 17th Streets are closed to traffic, but residential permit holders are allowed to enter.

“It may be a response that seems necessary, but it will also affect the locals more than the people who walk in,” said Sean Glass, bartender at Smiling Moose.

KDKA’s Jessica Guay some confused drivers and people who noticed their cars were being towed on Friday night.

Wendell Hissrich, director of public safety for Pittsburgh, said they expected some hiccups the first night with these new traffic changes but tried to prevent a tragedy.

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Pittsburgh Public Safety organized the transportation plans with PennDOT because of the increase in violence and concerns about overcrowded sidewalks and streets.

“We have to do something now, and we urgently need to do something about the shootings of the past two weekends. We therefore ask the public for patience, ”said Hissrich.

People who visit, live or work on the South Side did not know what to expect. Some people fear that this will have a negative impact on residents and businesses.

“I could see people from other neighborhoods decide to skip us for this reason,” said Glass.

Others believe this step is necessary and a turn in the right direction.

“I think it’s a really good idea just for our safety as workers and for the safety of the people who live here, especially me, I live here and the people who work here,” said Geiger.

The city said the traffic changes on East Carson Street will persist for the foreseeable future.

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Port Authority vehicles and buses are permitted to travel in either direction on East Carson Street.