Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard Master Plan

Pittsburgh is currently experiencing a revitalization marked by job creation, neighborhood development and population growth. The Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard Master Plan created a clear vision and implementation strategies to establish a walkable rail-with-trail green boulevard that integrates existing freight with regional passenger rail use, as well as additional multi-modal transportation infrastructure, stormwater management and riverfront habitat restoration. The seven-mile long Allegheny River Green Boulevard will create world-class transportation and public infrastructure for nearly a dozen Pittsburgh riverfront neighborhoods – linking Downtown into many growing and changing neighborhoods that will help Pittsburgh to become an even more livable city.

The Green Boulevard process took place from July 2011 through February 2013. Outreach included ten steering committee meetings, four public meetings, advisory committee meetings, a dedicated project website, interactive mapping surveys, and a series of summertime events. Creative outreach included trivia night at a local café, a bike tour and a PARK(ing) Day installation. The Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard plan is possible thanks to a Sustainable Communities grant funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The plan was managed by Brie Hensold while at Sasaki. The team also included Biohabitats, Partners for Economic Solutions (PES), Michael Baker International, the Community Technical Assistance Center and Milestone New Media Group.

The project focused on five tasks: integration of a commuter rail into the Allegheny Valley Railroad freight corridor along with a multi-use path; station area planning around the proposed station areas and station design; creation of a new riverfront open space system with access points, habitat and ecological enhancements, and riverbank stabilization; public outreach to engage the Pittsburgh community in this process; and overall project management.