Development of Our Rivers

Connecting Neighborhoods to Pittsburgh’s Rivers

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl believes that we can improve Pittsburghers’ quality of life and create more opportunities for economic development by reconnecting our neighborhoods to the rivers. Over the years, we have been able to connect trails and parks to our waterfronts and build new housing and businesses on our shores. Luke believes we must build on these successes to ensure that all riverfront neighborhoods see more growth. Focusing on the Allegheny Riverfront – the area extending from the Strip District to Highland Park - the Mayor is working with local leaders to reconnect the river with neighborhoods, creating more development and prosperity.

Riverfront Masterplan

Luke believes that we must have a plan to take back our rivers. He is leading this effort and creating partnerships to develop a masterplan for a key segment of the Allegheny Riverfront whose banks touch more than a dozen neighborhoods. Focusing on the existing growth in the Strip District, the Mayor’s plan will open up riverfront land, once used to make and ship steel, and make room for more businesses, retail, and recreation.

Our rivers are near millions of dollars of private development and offer a promising view of the Downtown skyline. A strategic plan will help to drive more momentum into these neighborhoods and better prioritize and rationalize public and private investments.

Riverfront trails

Luke is continuing to revitalize our riverfront trails.  With the opening of the Hot Metal Pedestrian Bridge, residents can now connect by foot or bike to the 21 mile-long Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a critical connection in finishing the Great Allegheny Passage.  The Passage, a 150-mile biking and hiking trail that now connects McKeesport to Cumberland, Maryland, and on to Washington, DC., puts our City on the “world trail map” and positions us as the nation’s leader in rails-to-trails. Brownfield redevelopment along the pedestrian bridge will connect employees to retail and recreation.

Riverfront Recreation

Recreational docks will soon be constructed at the SouthSide Works Riverfront Park, with the receipt of a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the City recently unveiled its third riverfront kayak launch pad. Additionally, the Mon Wharf parking lot downtown has been transformed into a green space. Citywide, riverfront trail markers have been erected to remind residents of the asset that awaits them beyond the streets.

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