South Side Traffic To Be Severely Restricted On Weekends

PITTSBURGH, PA — If you thought it was difficult to make your way through the city's South Side on weekends now, you haven't seen anything yet.

Pittsburgh's Department of Public Safety and PennDOT on Wednesday announced major alterations to traffic patterns through a large swath of the South Side business corridor on weekend evenings. The adjustments, which city officials labeled a pilot project, will be in place for the foreseeable future.

The changes are a response to increased gun violence, overcrowded sidewalks and streets, traffic safety obstacles and noise complaints along East Carson since pandemic restrictions have been lifted. City officials hope the adjustments will eliminate gridlock, permit a dedicated emergency vehicle corridor and create safer conditions for South Side residents and visitors.

“These traffic shifts will be an adjustment to those who live in or frequent the South Side," Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said Wednesday. "Our personnel will be working closely with businesses and community groups to ensure a seamless transition. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience during this time."

Here are the changes coming on Friday and Saturday nights between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m.:

• East Carson Street between South 10th and South 18th streets will be limited to outbound traffic. Only emergency vehicles and Port Authority buses will be permitted to travel in both directions.

• Side streets from South 11th to South 17th will be closed to all traffic except residential permit holders. Other motorists will use either Muriel or Sarah Street as detours.

• Ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft won't be permitted on East Carson between South 10th and South 18th streets. Passengers must arrange pick-up and drop-off points in advance, using one of the open side streets.

Parking and deliveries will be prohibited on either side of East Carson between South 10th and South 18th streets.

City police officers will be posted in key areas to safely direct traffic. PennDOT will halt overnight work in connection with its ongoing East Carson Street improvement project.

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