Mon Wharf opening Monday (Smithfield, Confluence: landscaping, design, parks)

[BrianTH]

Here is the link:

Mon Wharf riverfront trail nearly complete

This is a crucial step in the larger plan to have a continuous riverfront park on both sides of the three rivers from the West End Bridge up to the Hot Metal Bridge and 31st Street Bridge:

http://www.riverlifetaskforce.org/trp/

As mentioned in the article, it also is a key part of finalizing the Great Allegheny Passage from DC to the Point.

Edit: A recent photoset of the Mon Wharf nearing completion:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/friendsriver/sets/72157622666222345/ (broken link)

Once the planted berm fills in I think it is going to be very nice.

[szug-bot]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Here is the link:

Mon Wharf riverfront trail nearly complete



As mentioned in the article, it also is a key part of finalizing the Great Allegheny Passage from DC to the Point.

wow - from one great city to another. i just love this country.

[Mugatu]

Looks good. I had a day off today on this beautiful weather day and biked the North Shore Trail. I look forward to when I can cross from the North Shore through Point State Park and over to the trail in the South Side and beyond.

[BrianTH]

Yep--eventually you should be able to do a variety of loops around the Confluence, as well as connect to the big city parks.

[Benzman66]

Whats going to happen each time the wharf floods? Get ruined?

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Benzman66

Whats going to happen each time the wharf floods? Get ruined?

From the linked article:

The landscaping has been designed to withstand the river flooding that occurs on the wharf a few times a year and allow the water to drain afterwards. Connections for high-power hoses are included so that debris can be washed away.

You can see how that will work from the pictures: the front section is pretty solid hardscape with openings between the planters on the river side. There is then a rising planted berm behind that section.

[Impala26]

It's great to hear about this story. I took it upon myself to see it earlier today as well. In my mind the project won't really be complete until the walkway is connected to the rest of Point State Park and the Smithfield Street walkway. Do we have any type of timeline on the next two phases?

Either way I'm pleased to see this project getting done.

Now if they can only work improving the pedestrian connections to the West End Bridge..

[SewickleyPA]

Originally Posted by Impala26

Now if they can only work improving the pedestrian connections to the West End Bridge..

Firm's winning design for West End Bridge uses suspended walkways

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Impala26

Do we have any type of timeline on the next two phases?

According to the article, the connection to the Point is fully-funded and scheduled to be built next year. The switchback up to the Smithfield Bridge (which will also allow a connection to the Eliza Furnace Trail, aka Jail Trail) is still in the funding stage, with only $1 million of the $4 million secured so far. There is a pending federal earmark request from Mike Doyle for $2.5 million (which if my math is right would be the bulk of the remaining funding), and my guess is that will have to be resolved one way or another before they complete the funding and build the switchback.

[nuwaver88]

Around Town: Riverfront vision leads wharf to a lot of beauty

http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?videoID=102581