Originally constructed circa 1921, inspection and analysis of the structure has indicated the bridge needs to be replaced. The bridge location and architecture suggest a context sensitive design and coordination with PennDOT for I-376 traffic impacts. It is anticipated that pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic will be rerouted for the full duration of the work.

Slated for completion in early 2011, The Bates Street / Second Avenue improvement project involves replacing and raising the Eliza Furnace Trail Bridge, enhancing Eliza Trail roadway reconstruction, new signage, and altering traffic patterns to a smoother flow of traffic.

After four years of planning, design, and engineering, construction began on the Forbes/Fifth Avenue Pedestrian Safety and Mobility Improvement project. Throughout the process, OTMA served as the community outreach organization for Oakland commuters, residents, businesses, and institutions. The determined efforts of committed partners and funders – the University of Pittsburgh, the City of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and OTMA – proved successful in updating 11 high-traffic pedestrian intersections in the Fifth and Forbes corridor.

The updates to these intersections are tremendous. Once outdated crosswalks now have pedestrian countdown signals, curb extensions, handicapped ramps, crosswalk delineations, enhanced lighting and new pedestrian islands. These enhancements have made pedestrians and bikers more visible to motorists – creating a much safer, convenient, and visually appealing neighborhood.

On November 10, 2014 PennDOT announced the selection of fifty-six projects that improve transportation alternatives were to be funded thru the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), the Joncaire Street Steps Improvement Project was among the projects chosen; slated to receive $384,000 for the demolition and rebuilding of the public stairway.

In order to help Pittsburghers safely navigate the steep terrain quickly in the days before the automobile, steps and stairs sprung up all over the city. On some of the steepest hills, steps even double as legal streets. The Joncaire steps (136 stairs) located in the Oakland neighborhood are a  key connection between Panther Hollow and Central Oakland, however the current condition of Joncaire Street public stairway does not allow safe use by pedestrians. On July 22, 2014 a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding application for the demolition and rebuilding of the public stairway was submitted in partnership between the Oakland Transportation Management Association (OTMA) and the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works (DPW). The improvements would provide multimodal access for bikes  and pedestrians; encouraging use by residents, students and faculty from two key regional educational institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. In addition to providing access into Schenley Park and as well as access into the Three Rivers Regional Trail System.

The steps closed on Monday, October 9, 2017. Signage has been posted on both the top and bottom of the steps. 

In late January 2018, Clearwater, the Contractor, formed the top, bottom, and path landings and placed concrete. Minimal work was done in February while the railing and light poles were fabricated off-site.

There will be no closures of Joncaire Street. Flaggers will be necessary, at times, to maintain one lane of alternating traffic.

All day work is anticipated.

The estimated completion is Summer 2018. Click HERE to view the project's traffic control plans which includes a pedestrian detour.

Please Note: Joncaire Steps are CLOSED while under construction. Trespassing is Not Safe OR Permitted and could result in injury or financial penalties.

For any questions please contact OTMA at info@otma-pgh.org or (412) 687-4505.

Click HERE to read news coverage from the Post-Gazette.