Washington Boulevard Flood Plan Unveiled
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl unveiled a three-stage plan to deal with the potential for serious flooding on Washington Boulevard in Highland Park.
Four people died during a flash flood on the road last month.
First, in the short term, the mayor says public safety personnel will be on site anytime the threat exists for serious flooding to move in shut the road down.
Second, Mayor Ravenstahl says the city has been discussing with PennDOT the possibility of installing crossing gates that would have sensors to automatically shut down the boulevard as soon as rain water triggers them.
Third, something the mayor says is a long term solution: Engineers will look at storm water runoff plans.
Most of the people at the meeting where the plan was announced were there to discuss on-going flooding issues on various streets in the East End.
From East Liberty to Point Breeze to Shadyside to Squirrel Hill, people described flooded streets, basements backed up with sewage and cars that were actually left floating in water.
The meeting was organized by Councilman Bill Peduto.
Representatives from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority said they would look into the problems and use the information to try to find solutions.
Members of the audience discussed the importance of separating sewage and storm water drainage and made suggestions such as permeable pavement and rain collection barrels.
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