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.