Washington Boulevard Flood Gate Construction Begins Tuesday in Pittsburgh

Work to install an advanced notification flood gate system on Washington Boulevard (Route 8) in Pittsburgh will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 25 weather permitting.

The estimated $450,000 project will install three automated gate systems at the following locations:

• Washington Boulevard at the Negley Run Road intersection
• Washington Boulevard at the Allegheny River Boulevard (Route 130) intersection
• On Highland Drive/Lemington Avenue approaching Washington Boulevard

Five advanced warning signs will also be installed at the following locations:

• Butler Street approaching Washington Boulevard
• Allegheny River Boulevard approaching Washington Boulevard
• Negley Run Road approaching Washington Boulevard
• Highland Drive approaching Lemington Avenue
• Washington Boulevard approaching Negley Run Road

The system will use pressure sensors that automatically close the gates and activate the warning signs when a pre-determined amount of water is detected on the roadway. When the system activates, it will also notify the appropriate emergency response personnel.

The effort came about after an Aug. 19 flood on Washington Boulevard that killed four people— and her two daughters, Brenna and Mikaela; as well as .

PennDOT is funding and overseeing the installation. When the system is operational, it will be owned and maintained by the City of Pittsburgh. Construction is expected to conclude in early 2012. 

The prime contractor is Bronder Technical Services.

Some short-term lane restrictions may occur during construction. Motorists should use caution, slow down and be aware of changing traffic patterns when driving through the area.

Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling. 

What do you think about this project? Tell us in the comments.