The Strip District of Pittsburgh proudly welcomes over 7.5 million annual visitors to our vibrant, bustling, one-of-a-kind community.

Existing Liberty Ave. Lane Reduction Project & Ongoing Smallman St. Construction already restrict Inbound Access.

Now, the City of Pittsburgh has plans to restrict Penn Ave into a Single Lane Road. Proposed changes will have a Lasting Negative Impact for our Beloved and Historic Business District Community.

  • Stifling Access
  • Increased Traffic Congestion & Backups
  • Impede Emergency Vehicles
  • Hindrance for Residents
  • Unworkable Loading Zones
  • Delivery & Pickup Delays and Interruptions
  • Economic Loss for the Community
  • Frustrated Visitors that will not Return
  • Devastation for Local Business

In May of 2024, with overwhelming support from our impacted businesses, The Strip District Business Association submitted, to the Mayor’s Office and DOMI, a formal Letter of Opposition to this project. You can Review Letter Here:

HALT THE CITY’S PLAN TO DEVASTATE OUR HISTORIC COMMUNITY.

Mayor’s Plan to Restrict Penn Ave to a Single Lane Road will Stifle Access, Impede Emergency Vehicles, Hinder Residents, and Devastate Local Business.

SIGN YOUR SUPPORT TO HALT THIS DEVASTATING PLAN.

Are you a Strip District Business, Employee, Resident or Visitor?

Use the signature pad to sign your name -- (Please be sure To SAVE your signature). SaveClear

Email, Call or Write a Letter

Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office
414 Grant St # 512, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.255.2626

Jan Raether
Office of the Mayor – Infrastructure Engagement Specialist
jan.raether@pittsburghpa.gov

City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility & Infrastructure
414 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.255.8850

Angela Martinez
Assistant Director, Policy & Planning
angela.martinez@pittsburghpa.gov

Comments from other Concerned Respondents:

CoryBusiness Owner

“It is proven that the best way to make changes to complex systems to avoid unintended negative consequences is an incremental approach. The default position should be to start with least invasive/smallest scale change possible and measure the results. In this case, if pedestrian/ vehicular safety is the concern, adding stop signs, cross walks and more policing/enforcement of traffic laws would be the best place to start. Narrowing the road, creating curb bump outs and adding bike lane will restrict traffic and create back ups issues for anyone using Penn- ultimately making it more difficult for customers to access the Strip.
Based on accurate crash and accident data, this is an outsized solution to solve an almost non existent problem.
Taken in conjunction with plans for Liberty avenue, the proposed changes will suffocate the Penn Ave business district.”

NicholasBusiness Owner

“It will make it much more difficult for customers & employees to get to & from our location. Loading & unloading will be more expensive. With only one travel lane when any vehicle stops or double parks traffic comes to a halt. That includes buses, trucks and cars.”

CrystleVisitor

“We love coming here. We come at least 8 times a year. Stop destroying the Strip”

OliviaResident

“Traffic is already bad enough, why reduce to a 1 lane road? I’ve also heard a Trader Joe’s is opening in the strip (seems odd given that there are plenty of grocery options here), but would increase traffic even further.

Also, having more paid parking lots (at insanely high rates) isn’t a solution to increased traffic either. I’m not sure what the purpose of the single lane road is, but if it is pedestrian safety I think there are more innovative options in 2025 than reducing lanes.”

AnthonyVisitor

“Restricting Penn Ave to a single lane in The Strip will make an already congested, over-developed mess into an untenable disaster. Right now, the *only* easily navigable part of The Strip is Penn Ave. Restricting it to one lane will make restocking the businesses along it unnecessarily difficult, cause massive backups in already over-trafficked areas (like the intersection of 21st & Smallman), and turn a historically rich and culturally relevant neighborhood into a parking lot. The Strip is already losing its identity to rising property costs and an influx of outside wealth. Breaking it up further with this stupid idea is a death sentence.”

DanaBusiness Owner

“The project would create a bottle neck for anyone coming in or going out. It could be a huge safety issue costing hundreds of lives, if their we a fire, flooding, or any emergency, because first responders can’t get in, people can’t get out. Huge occupancy of renters in the high rise complexes. Plus regular traffic and deliveries.”

BonnDeveloper, Business Owner & Resident

“Moving Penn Avenue to one lane will disrupt the deliveries to our wonderful Strip District merchants. We only have four streets to start with – Liberty Avenue, Penn Avenue, Smallman street and Railroad Street. We can’t afford to lose any of our merchants on Penn Avenue because of lane restrictions or visitors due to a lack of parking. That is also in short supply with our growing neighborhood. Maybe bikers and pedestrians could consider using the Alley Ways. I think they could be upgraded with plantings and even be an option for restaurant outdoor spaces. Just a thought. Glad to discuss these issues further.”

DanBusiness Owner

“This project will reduce access and cause congestion. There are other ways to accomplish traffic calming that will not impact the Strip on Penn.”

AngelaBusiness Owner

There are no shortages of places for people to safely bike and walk around the strip with the current layout. Bike lanes are clearly marked that allow bikes and vehicles to comfortably share the road and sidewalks are plentiful for pedestrians . Additionally, there are many side streets, where traffic is extremely light, that anyone who takes the time to learn the city, can easily navigate on their bicycles. The small businesses, which have been the heart and soul of the strip, would drastically suffer. Parking is already at a minimum and receiving truck loads is extremely challenging as it is.