This project represents more than just a physical connection; it’s an investment in equity, mobility, and community. By improving access, the West End Bridge Access Structure will bridge the gap…
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West End Bridge
The West End Bridge is ranked as one of the most challenged and extraordinary opportunities for transformation in Riverlife’s “Completing the Loop” report.
Riverlife is entering into significant planning work to develop this infrastructure. The plan seeks to create accessible, safe, artful structures and paths that connect the historic bridge to the surrounding communities and regional and national trail networks, improved destinations at the base of the bridge for parks, art and recreational opportunities, and improving the overall cross-bridge experience.
"I'd Like You To Know" Community Art Project
I’d Like You to Know is your invitation to join a powerful, collective social artwork created by renowned artists Sans façon (Tristan Surtees and Charles Blanc) and Steve Gurysh. This experience offers a chance to reflect on how we connect to place, community, and our rivers.
Through I’d Like You to Know, the public is invited to write and release personal sentiments to the river, creating a symbolic gesture of reclaiming the river as a gathering space and a living connection to our shared history. For Manchester and the West End, it’s an opportunity to reimagine the Ohio River as a space for memory, growth, and cultural exchange—tracing the water’s path as it flows to the Mississippi and on to the Gulf of Mexico.
This artwork unfolds in two parts: first, a collection of reflections and sentiments. In Spring 2025, the second part will build on this, forging connections with communities who, like us, rely on and are deeply connected to the rivers.
Saturday, November 2 | 1-4pm
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
West End Branch
47 Wabash Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
1pm: Presentation
2pm: Art Making
Register Now
Sunday, November 3 | 1-4pm
Manchester Citizens Corporation
1319 Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
1pm: Presentation
2pm: Art Making
Register Now
Map
Access Structure Design and Engineering
Riverlife has chosen El Dorado, an integrated architecture, urban design, curatorial, education, and fabrication practice from Kansas City, MO, to lead the engineering and design efforts for access structures from ground level to the pedestrian walkways on the West End Bridge.
El Dorado and their diverse and dynamic team bring to the project a wealth of experience in design, planning, structure, landscape, art, and more.
El Dorado’s expanded team members include local and international experts:
- Thornton Tomasetti structural engineering
- Sans Facon art
- Derek Porter lighting
- Buro Happold sustainability
- Merritt Chase Landscape
- Langan civil
- Sci-tek geotech
- Christine Davis Consultants history
- Trophy Point cost estimating
El Dorado’s approach to integrating disparate disciplines to execute complex assignments aligns perfectly with Riverlife’s vision for inclusive, sustainable, artful infrastructure that will reconnect and reshape the riverfronts around the West End Bridge.
Bridging the West End Gap will include significant and critical partnerships with land owners, ALCOSAN, PennDOT and the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and communities along either side of the bridge, among others.
West End Bridge March 2024 Public Meeting
West End Bridge February 2024 Presentation to the Community
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Riverlife and El Dorado presented these updated plans at a Manchester Citizen’s Corporation community meeting, where there will be more context, opportunity for comments, and even more refined concepts will be shared at that time.
West End Bridge Access Structures Concept Report | February 21, 2024
West End Bridge December 2023 Public Meeting
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the energy and enthusiasm of Pittsburgh’s youth took center stage in the West End. Riverlife, in collaboration with H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow and mural artist Scott…
PITTSBURGH- Riverlife announces a strategic investment exceeding $2 million in design and engineering to create accessible connections leading to the West End Bridge from the Manchester-Chateau and West End neighborhoods. …
