In January, a working group formed to develop a pilot project to increase safety for park users along Reservoir Drive. Its goal was to develop a pilot project that would incorporate public feedback from the summer 2020 temporary road closure while allowing vehicle access at safe speeds. This group includes community residents, the Highland Park Community Council, City Councilwoman Deborah Gross, and representatives of several City departments.
As a result of this effort, the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) developed plans for a pilot project that emphasize the recreational needs of park users while keeping the road open to vehicles. The plan includes traffic calming elements such as new crosswalks at key intersections, better signage and lane markings, and a reduction of the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph. DOMI anticipates that installation of these elements will begin this fall. Slides with a mock-up of the pilot project will be posted on HPCCpgh.org.
As this is a pilot project, the materials are basic in design and temporary. Community engagement to obtain input on the long-term adoption of these changes and/or others – such as decorative planters, custom-painted bump-outs, and other public safety and aesthetic enhancements – is expected next spring. For more information, contact Highland Park resident Tina Calabro at tina.calabro@verizon.net .
Related slides are here.