Construction is now underway on a major reconstruction project that will transform Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh with wider sidewalks, upgraded crossings, new landscaping and other improvements aimed at creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly corridor.
The work marks the beginning of theSmithfield Street Reconstruction Project, according to a community announcement. The first phase covers the stretch between Forbes Avenue and Sixth Avenue and is expected to take between 18 and 24 months to complete.
The redesign includes new curbs, enhanced pedestrian crossings, updated lighting infrastructure,
landscaping and other safety upgrades. The transit-only bus lane will remain in place.
City officials plan to eventually extend the project from Fort Pitt Boulevard to Liberty Avenue through future phases, creating a redesigned corridor that better accommodates pedestrians while maintaining transit access.
Part of broader downtown revitalization efforts
The reconstruction project is one of several initiatives intended to encourage more visitors, residents and businesses to return to downtown Pittsburgh.
The work comes as redevelopment officials continue exploring ways to reactivate long-vacant storefronts beneath Mellon Square. A separate study is examining whether those spaces could accommodate a restaurant, retail uses and outdoor dining areas while improving connections between Smithfield Street and the park above. The effort is supported by a $250,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to the Urban Redevelopment Authority for preliminary engineering and architectural work.
The study is also evaluating ways to improve lighting, increase activity along the corridor and preserve Mellon Square's historic character. City officials have identified portions of Smithfield Street as areas where additional investment could improve perceptions of safety and help attract more foot traffic to the downtown core.
Together, the street reconstruction and adjacent redevelopment efforts represent a broader push to reshape one of downtown Pittsburgh's most recognizable corridors.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Smithfield Street reconstruction begins in downtown Pittsburgh
