Traffic Calming Construction Underway on Southern Avenue, Mount Washington

MOUNT WASHINGTON, PITTSBURGH — Construction has begun on Southern Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood to implement traffic calming measures aimed at improving safety and reducing speeding. The project is part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Work commenced Thursday and is expected to last two days, with construction occurring between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flaggers will manage traffic flow, and temporary no-parking signage has been posted throughout the work zone to ensure safety. City officials caution that intermittent delays may occur during construction.

The project includes the installation of five speed tables, along with new pavement markings and signage, all designed to slow vehicle traffic and increase speed limit compliance on the residential street.

“One of the biggest goals of my administration has been to ensure that we can bring programs like Neighborhood Traffic Calming to every community,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.

The decision to implement these measures follows a traffic study conducted at the request of local residents, which found that 63% of motorists on Southern Avenue exceeded the 25 mph speed limit, with some vehicles clocked at speeds as high as 72 mph. The study underscored the urgent need for physical traffic calming solutions to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

City planners note that speed tables are an effective tool for encouraging drivers to slow down without requiring enforcement action, and they often improve the overall quality of life in neighborhoods by reducing noise and the risk of accidents. In addition to the speed tables, enhanced signage and pavement markings will provide clearer guidance for drivers and alert them to the presence of pedestrians and cyclists.

Residents expressed optimism about the changes.

“We’ve been concerned about speeding on this street for years, and it’s reassuring to see tangible action being taken,” said local resident Maria Thompson. “I feel safer walking my kids to the nearby park knowing that these measures are coming.”

The Southern Avenue project is part of a broader Vision Zero program in Pittsburgh, which includes traffic calming initiatives in multiple neighborhoods, improved crosswalks, better lighting, and community education campaigns on safe driving practices. City officials emphasize that these efforts are designed to make streets safer for all users and reduce preventable accidents.

“Traffic calming isn’t just about slowing cars—it’s about making streets safer for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, or driving,” said City Traffic Engineer Tom Rivera.

Construction crews are expected to complete the work quickly, but residents and drivers are urged to plan for minor delays while the project is underway. Once finished, the new traffic calming measures are expected to significantly reduce speeding incidents and improve safety along Southern Avenue, contributing to a safer Mount Washington neighborhood for years to come.

Originally reported by WPXI. Com News Staff.