Stone structures along Allegheny River Blvd (Pittsburgh, Penn Hills: neighborhoods, shopping center, safe)

[scottrpriester]

On our often trips to Oakmont and the other river communities, I have noticed two separate structures along Allegheny River Blvd headed towards Verona on the right side of the road. One of the structures actually has steps on them.

Does anyone know what they are/where?

[fleetiebelle]

I remember reading something about this from the City Paper a few years ago: Along Allegheny River Boulevard, there are several closed turn-outs along the road. They appear to be used for some kind of loading maybe. What were they used for? - Question submitted by: Rod Sanders, Penn Hills - Views - You Had to Ask - Pittsburgh

[scottrpriester]

Thank you, very interesting.

[aveojohn]

I grew up near and drove this road a thousand times. I often thought this road should be restored to its former beauty. I bet it was a beautiful scenic route at one time. The reason they were closed was because gay men were having sex there and they couldent keep them out. I'm sure hourly patrols by the police would have helped.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by aveojohn

I grew up near and drove this road a thousand times. I often thought this road should be restored to its former beauty. I bet it was a beautiful scenic route at one time.

I think it's a beautiful scenic route now. I love driving to Verona or Oakmont. It's such a beautiful river and lots of beautiful places along side of it.

The reason they were closed was because gay men were having sex there and they couldent keep them out.

That's always nice to hear.

[nuwaver88]

I always thought that it would be nice to have a 5K along this route because it is flat, scenic and along the river. I measured it in my car. It is 3.2 miles, or 5K, from the light at the intersection of Washington Boulevard to the Verona Giant Eagle Shopping Center sign. Those would be good starting and finishing locations.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by nuwaver88

I always thought that it would be nice to have a 5K along this route because it is flat, scenic and along the river. I measured it in my car. It is 3.2 miles, or 5K, from the light at the intersection of Washington Boulevard to the Verona Giant Eagle Shopping Center sign. Those would be good starting and finishing locations.

That's actually a great idea! I'd try running it myself but there isn't a safe enough berm on either side for me.

[ditchdigger]

No doubt, they were built by the WPA, the stimulus program of the day. I could be wrong, but I vaguely remember a marker somewhere to that effect.

They've been closed for as long as I remember, which is a pretty long time. At least the early 60s.

[nuwaver88]

Originally Posted by ditchdigger

No doubt, they were built by the WPA, the stimulus program of the day. I could be wrong, but I vaguely remember a marker somewhere to that effect.

They've been closed for as long as I remember, which is a pretty long time. At least the early 60s.

There are still WPA sidewalks in good condition in Pittsburgh area neighborhoods and municipalities. The WPA logo is imprinted into the cement. Many of them have no cracks at all.

[nuwaver88]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

That's actually a great idea! I'd try running it myself but there isn't a safe enough berm on either side for me.

Maybe the areas of the scenic overlooks and turnoffs could be areas for fans, medical units and police during the race. Of course, some serious runners can do a 5K in twenty minutes. The need to have for maybe two or three water stations and staging areas should be sufficient.