Project To Ease Bates Street Congestion Complete
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- If you have ever tried to get from Oakland to the South Side via Bates Street, then you know how congested it can be.
Today officials cut the ribbon on the project to fix that.
"This particular project will enhance a blighted corridor and make our city more traffic-friendly and attractive to visitors and ultimately to new businesses here in the Pittsburgh Technology Center," Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said.
The Bates Street approach to Second Avenue has been widened from three lanes to five. There are new traffic signals, signs and landscaping.
Most importantly, the overpass has been raised to give trucks traveling Bates Street more clearance.
"It was a repeated occurrence to have trucks get stuck under the bridge, so safety was critically important and we've achieved that by raising it," Ravenstahl said.
The completion of this project has also lifted the year-long detour on the Eliza Furnace Rail Trail, something bikers and pedestrians will be celebrating.
"It's a key vital link to our trail network to provide safety to pedestrians and it also provides a huge benefit for the motoring public as well," PennDOT District Executive Dan Cessna said.
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