The City of Pittsburgh is installing PittsBirds, a series of 20 bird-inspired artwork installations designed along Pittsburgh Regional Transit's new University Line, in partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts and The Art Supply Co.
Artist Marsha Rollinger, a Pittsburgh-area native, designed the installations on signal control boxes and other infrastructure throughout the corridor. She was selected for her use of bold colors and layered imagery. Community input informed the artwork's themes, designs, and locations, according to the city.
"I grew up in the Pittsburgh area and it was exciting to learn so much more about the Downtown, Uptown, Hill District, and Oakland neighborhoods from all of the wonderful people who shared stories and gave input for this project," Rollinger said.
Installation is currently underway, with most installations expected to be completed by the end of this month, according to Maria Cadena, Public Art Planner with the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning. Additional artwork will appear through the fall as construction continues.
The University Line is in Phase Two of construction and scheduled for completion in 2027. The project includes 24 designated station locations and improvements to sidewalks, accessibility, protected bike lanes, traffic signals, landscaping, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure connecting Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland.