Pittsburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pittsburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Liberty Avenue and Bloomfield Bridge Traffic Improvements
A $2.3 million project to upgrade traffic signals and improve the busy Liberty Avenue intersection at Main Street and the Bloomfield Bridge, mostly paid by a state grant.
Charles Anderson Bridge Project Engineering
Council finalized agreements raising the Charles Anderson Bridge project to $70 million — a $6.3 million increase covered by federal highway funds at no extra cost to the city, plus an amended Mosites Construction contract reimbursed 100%.
Street Resurfacing and ARPA Fund Reallocations
The city is racing a December 31 federal deadline to spend pandemic relief money, so committees moved leftover ARPA funds into street resurfacing and swapped in bond money for projects that won't bill in time. Paving, the Fourth Division project, and Cowley all stay funded — just from different sources.
Utility Coordination and Street Restoration
Council members raised persistent concerns about utility trenching and substandard street repaving following water infrastructure projects, suggesting the city take over paving operations.
Smithfield Street Reconstruction and Infrastructure Investment
Council approved over $6.6 million for the construction phase of the Smithfield Street reconstruction project, featuring 80% federal funding and matching local funds for road, lighting, and sidewalk improvements.
DOMI Leadership and Department Expansion
Jeff Skalican's appointment as permanent director comes with plans to grow in-house teams for bridge maintenance and painting to save money and improve neighborhood aesthetics.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Project Partnership
Discussions centered on improving traffic safety, reducing reckless driving, and balancing infrastructure calming measures with police enforcement.
East Liberty and Brownsville Road Infrastructure Improvements
Council advanced major state-funded transportation projects to improve roadway safety and infrastructure on Negley Avenue and Brownsville Road.