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FreeWheeling Easy SupplementSeptember 2001
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South Side Trail (update for 3rd edition p 19-20)Note: This write up is substantially different from what is published in the supplement. About 2.5 miles of the South Side Trail, from 9th St past the Hot Metal Bridge to the end of the UPMC Sports complex, is developed in a combination of asphalt and crushed limestone. The section of trail from 9th Street to 18th Street is in a tunnel of green. One can easily imagine that you are out in the country somewhere and that the city does not exist. The part on crushed limestone from about 25th street to 29th street is temporary trail and will be replaced after the Hot Metal Bridge is converted for bicycle use.
Access Points 9th Street. From downtown cross the 10th street bridge across the Monongahela River. Take the first right on Bingham street just after the Oliver Bath House. Take the next right on 9th street and go to the end. This is where the trail currently starts (Fall 2001) . 18th Street. From downtown cross the 10th street bridge across the Monongahela River. Just as you leave the bridge, at the first traffic light take the left on Murial street . Go 8 blocks and take the left on 18th street. Cross the railroad tracks and continue about a block to the parking lot. To go east on the trail towards the Hot Metal Bridge, exit out the end of the parking lot. To go west on the trail towards 9th street, go back to where you cross the tracks and pick up the trail there. 29th Street, Hot Metal Bridge. From downtown head out Second Avenue past the Jail. Go about 2 miles. At the second traffic light near the Technology Center take the right and cross over the Monongahela River on the Hot Metal bridge. As you cross the bridge watch out for bicyclists. The roadway is narrow and for now this is the only way to connect the South Side trails with the Eliza Furnace Trail. The City of Pittsburgh is beginning design work to use the adjacent bridge and to construct a bridge across Second Avenue for bicyclist and pedestrians. Don’t expect this to open for another 2-3 years. There is no trail parking near here. From the Eliza Furnace Trail. As you are bicycling past the Technology Center watch for a side trail leading away from the river under a bridge. Take this trail for about 75 feet to its end. Do a U-turn to the right onto Bates Street and cross back under the trail. At the light, turn left onto Second Avenue. Go about 200 feet on Second Avenue and take the right to cross the Hot Metal Bridge. A you cross the bridge be careful as the roadway is narrow and there is not room for the two lanes of opposing traffic and a bicycle. At the end of the bridge turn right to go west towards 9th Street, or turn left to go east towards the UPMC Sports center. |
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As always we have made a serious effort to present accurate descriptions. However we are human, trails change with time, and we occasionally receive incorrect information. Therefore we can not be responsible for discrepancies between these descriptions and actual trail conditions. Use common sense, judgment and be careful out there.