Pittsburgh Advances Multimillion-Dollar Project To Reduce Flooding In Multiple Neighboroods

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Water and the City of Pittsburgh are moving forward with a major infrastructure project designed to address longstanding flooding concerns in the Carrick and Overbrook neighborhoods.

Pittsburgh Water approved a $6.76 million construction contract for the Stewart Avenue Storm Water Improvements Project, as well as a cost-share agreement with the City of Pittsburgh to support the work.

Construction is expected to begin in July and end in September 2027.

The project will install a new storm sewer system, catch basins, manholes, green infrastructure, and roadway improvements along Stewart Avenue and nearby streets. Together, these improvements should help reduce localized flooding, improve storm water management, and enhance neighborhood infrastructure.

“When residents raise concerns about flooding, they deserve solutions that address the root causes of the problem,” Pittsburgh Mayor Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor said in a statement. .

“By partnering with Pittsburgh Water on this project, we’re improving roads and sidewalks, reducing flooding risks, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit Carrick and Overbrook residents for years to come.”

Pittsburgh Water Authority CEO Will Pickering said that managing storm water is an essential part of the organization's commitment to building a more resilient community.

“For years, residents in this area have experienced flooding that threatened homes, impacted roadways, and created ongoing challenges during heavy rain events," he said.

"By installing new storm water infrastructure and green infrastructure, this project will help keep water off streets and away from home,s while improving how storm water is managed throughout the neighborhood."

Currently, much of the storm water in the area flows overland during heavy rain events, traveling along roadways and toward nearby properties. The project will create a dedicated system of storm sewers and catch basins designed to capture runoff and safely carry it away, helping keep water off streets and away from homes.

In addition to traditional storm water infrastructure, the project includes a green infrastructure facility designed to capture and temporarily store storm water before slowly releasing it into the system.

By slowing runoff and reducing peak flows, the facility will help alleviate pressure on local infrastructure and reduce the rate of storm water entering the Saw Mill Run watershed during rain events.

The project will occur along Stewart Avenue between Saw Mill Run Boulevard and Parkdale Street, as well as portions of Parkdale Street, Esther Way, Horning Street, and Carol Circle.

Because the flooding issues in this area stem from multiple infrastructure challenges, Pittsburgh Water and the city developed the project as a partnership.

Pittsburgh Water will fund storm sewer and green infrastructure improvements, while the city will fund roadway and sidewalk improvements.

Project costs will be shared equally.

During construction, traffic will be maintained, but with flaggers and temporary lane restrictions. Additional construction and traffic information will be shared before work begins.