By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

After nearly a decade of planning, community engagement, and design adjustments, the long-awaited Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding Project is finally nearing its grand unveiling. With the completion of the prototype kiosk and sign fabrication in sight, the City of Pittsburgh has announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new wayfinding system will take place on March 11, at 3 p.m. This ambitious project, which aims to create a world-class pedestrian navigation system for the city’s key neighborhoods, has been years in the making and promises to enhance accessibility, guide visitors, and bolster Pittsburgh’s vibrant urban landscape.

The Wayfinding Project is focused on supporting the city’s geography and transportation infrastructure, connecting the communities of Oakland, Downtown, and the Northside. The initiative has gained widespread support from city officials, community organizations, and large private institutions, all of whom have contributed to the creation of this critical resource for pedestrians.

“This project has been a collaborative effort between the City, local organizations, and the community,” said a spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Department of Public Works. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that these new wayfinding tools will be useful for everyone, whether they’re local residents, tourists, or anyone looking to navigate our beautiful city more easily.”

Tosh Chambers, Director of Mobility for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership added, “The Pedestrian Wayfinding System will help to make Pittsburgh’s network of streets more intuitive for visitors and residents alike. We hope this will equip anyone with the directions they need to feel comfortable walking to and from some of our City’s most desirable destinations, public spaces, and landmarks.”

The project’s journey began in the fall of 2014 with the formation of the Wayfinding Advisory Committee (WAC), which included representatives from the City of Pittsburgh, community groups, and major institutions. Over the course of the following years, the committee worked on initial concepts for the system, conducting audits and creating a comprehensive catalog of destinations. In the summer of 2015, the team established a hierarchy for pedestrian corridors and began the process of determining sign placements and information flow. By the spring of 2016, a $700,000 fundraising effort from local philanthropies and institutions ensured the project had the financial backing to move forward.

Following several years of design and public input, the project gained official approval from the City’s Art Commission, and in 2020, WSP was selected to create the necessary construction documents for the project. In the fall of 2023, Power Contracting Co. (PCC) was selected to handle fabrication and installation. Despite some minor delays and adjustments along the way, including design revisions and field tests, the project has made great strides toward completion.

“Throughout the design and review process, we’ve worked closely with various teams to refine the details, ensuring that these new wayfinding signs will be both functional and visually appealing,” said a representative from Arup, the engineering firm involved in the project’s design phase. “We’re thrilled to see the final prototype kiosk ready for installation, and we believe Pittsburgh residents and visitors will benefit greatly from this new system.”

The finalized design includes a series of kiosks and signs placed at key locations throughout the city, helping people navigate to various destinations such as parks, cultural sites, transit stations, and major institutions. The signage system will provide clear directions, landmarks, and essential information to guide pedestrians safely through the city’s streets.

“By investing in this wayfinding system, we’re making Pittsburgh an even more accessible city for everyone,” said a city official. “It’s not just about signage — it’s about making our communities more connected and easier to navigate.”

As spring approaches and the project nears its final stages, anticipation is growing for the ground-breaking ceremony on March 11, location to be determined. The event will mark the official completion of this long-awaited initiative, which is expected to improve the walking experience in Pittsburgh for years to come.

“We’re excited to see this project come to fruition and can’t wait to share it with the public,” said the project spokesperson. “It’s a milestone moment for the city, and we’re eager for everyone to experience the benefits of the new pedestrian wayfinding system.”

“The Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have been a part of this collaborative measure. Tourism is a growing industry on the Northside and adding this mobility feature to guide individuals and help them navigate the Northside attractions and landmarks is a boost to the businesses and the community they serve,” said Carrie Nolan-Robson, executive director of the Chamber.

For more information on the event or the pedestrian wayfinding system, visit the City of Pittsburgh’s official website.