History has shown the value of infrastructure improvement.
Rome became the world’s first superpower because of its extensive road system; America’s network of rivers and highways made it an economic powerhouse; the far North Hills was propelled to record-setting growth by the construction of Interstate 279 and the link the between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 79.
Now, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is promoting an enhancement to the City of Bridges.
Another bridge.
He is endorsing a new bridge across the Monongahela River, connecting the city’s Hilltop neighborhoods to the 178-acre Hazelwood Green site (former steel mill cum mixed-use commercial development) and Oakland’s expansive higher education offerings.
It’s a great idea.
The mayor proposes linking Becks Run Road and East Carson Street to Hazelwood Green then Oakland through a $10 million low-speed, on-call shuttle system cutting through Junction Hollow. Some residents of Junction Hollow have balked at the idea but the greater good must be considered.
There’s a lot of good to be had. The city’s Hilltop neighborhoods offer an abundance of affordable housing. And with residential development comes commercial development. This is how a city thrives.
A new bridge would carry a hefty price tag but it would be money well-spent. It would be an investment that would yield growth.
Mr. Peduto isn’t suggesting earth-moving tomorrow and we agree. The city should pencil in a new bridge on its long-term comprehensive plan and begin laying the foundation for that future development as Hazelwood begins its build-out.
Infrastructure development isn’t an overnight thing. It’s about vision and planning. The mayor has the right vision. The preparatory planning should proceed.
First Published: March 7, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
