Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor announced a partnership with railroad operator CSX to expand public trail access across several neighborhoods. Under a memorandum of understanding, CSX will transfer property and easements to the city to close gaps in the regional Three Rivers Heritage Trail network while maintaining railroad safety.
The partnership addresses longstanding gaps connecting Hazelwood, Glen Hazel, Squirrel Hill, Swisshelm Park, and the Strip District. According to the city, approximately 4.61 acres of Strip District Trail property will be conveyed to reconnect a currently disrupted riverfront trail to a continuous connection at 33rd Street. The city will also assume management of the Duck Hollow segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and property extending to the Carrie Furnace Redevelopment Site.
Two pedestrian bridge projects are included in the agreement. A new Duck Hollow Terminus Bridge would provide a grade-separated crossing over the CSX rail corridor, connecting the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to Hazelwood. An upgraded Melancthon Pedestrian Bridge in Hazelwood would replace the existing bridge to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and railroad design requirements.
The memorandum also identifies potential future transfer of surplus property adjacent to the Melancthon Pedestrian Bridge. All proposed transactions will require formal agreements and approvals from the Surface Transportation Board and City Council.
The nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront facilitated the partnership. The projects are based on a feasibility and planning study funded by the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Open Space Institute provided additional support for land acquisition.