Parkway East Survey (Pittsburgh, Churchill, Oakland: construction, living, cost)

[3days3ways]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

i have to disagree. if someone stops, that has no bearing on how the freeflow traffic moves. it may be an annoying inconvenience, but overall, it doesnt matter.

And I have to disagree with you. It absolutely does affect the not-so-free flowing traffic moves.

When people come to a complete stop at the base of that long merging lane from South Braddock and try to force their way into the lefthand lanes ASAP it absolutely impedes traffic because it artificially pushes the merge point backward. Moreover, not everyone in the "traveling" lanes appreciates being cut off that far back, especially in the timid fashion everyone seems to exercise out there. Similarly, if people use the full length of the merging lane drivers in the lefthand lanes feel cheated that this person "cut the line." All together, it creates slow-down, erratic driving and rage.

The zipper merge is a real thing and it works. People around here should try it.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by dbsteel

People are always going to want to live in the suburbs. That's were the families are. That's where the land is. You can dream all you want about families moving into the cities, and some will, but many want the quieter life with better schools and safer neighborhoods that the suburbs have to offer. The people in the suburbs are the ones actually working and spending time and money downtown. Rowhouses and lack of parking and neighbors jammed right on top of you isn't for everyone.

I'm not complaining... I also work in the suburbs. And still close enough to jump downtown for a game or a show. You have to keep the city accessible because its the people in the suburbs who are spending money and working down there.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

It's south of Monroeville. It's across the river from Duquesne. You could conceivably commute from McKeesport to Downtown Pittsburgh without taking the Parkway East at all.

You could commute from M-ville as well and not take the parkway.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

Pitt Chick chose to live in Westmoreland County. That's fine. It's a free country. People should be able to live wherever they want.

Thanks, but it really wasn't much of a choice. DH got a great job smack in the middle of the county, and we wanted a great school for our kids. Commuting FROM the city was not an option.
And, until he decides to retire, we commute IN for events.... a lot.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

Thanks, but it really wasn't much of a choice. DH got a great job smack in the middle of the county, and we wanted a great school for our kids. Commuting FROM the city was not an option.
And, until he decides to retire, we commute IN for events.... a lot.

You mean you don't go to Pitt? I've always pictured you living in Tower B, looking out on Fifth Avenue.

[Pitt Chick]

Pitt grad BSc biology - married to a CMU grad

[Buckeye Burgher]

If improving the Parkway East means acquiring and demolishing a number of properties through Eminent Domain, it may not get done in my lifetime.

That was the entire issue with building 279 north through the East Street Valley. That was supposed
to be done in the early 70's. But an infinite number of court battles with hundreds of individual property owners (and one historic church) held the whole thing up until the 90's.

[LIRefugee]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Burgher

That was the entire issue with building 279 north through the East Street Valley. That was supposed
to be done in the early 70's. But an infinite number of court battles with hundreds of individual property owners (and one historic church) held the whole thing up until the 90's.

It's to our detriment that it wasn't killed entirely.

[FreightTrainRunning]

Funny how people get upset about the idea of a freeway running through their house. Darn selfish of them if you ask me.

[pman]

Originally Posted by LIRefugee

It's to our detriment that it wasn't killed entirely.

indeed, it is a completely awful and unnecessarily destructive road. eliminating it in the city would still be a good idea