Pittsburgh Launched Smithfield Street Reconstruction

The city has started a multi-phase project to enhance pedestrian safety and modernize street infrastructure downtown.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Construction

Granite curb segments and modern street lighting installed along a downtown city street, reflecting urban infrastructure renewal. — Pittsburgh officials began the Smithfield Street Reconstruction Project this week, aiming to modernize downtown infrastructure and improve pedestrian safety for local businesses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pittsburgh officially began the Smithfield Street Reconstruction Project, focusing on the segment between Forbes Avenue and Sixth Avenue. The initiative aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly corridor to attract residents and businesses back to the downtown area.

Why it matters

By upgrading lighting, curbs, and crossings, the project seeks to revitalize the downtown core. It also leverages architectural grants to explore new commercial opportunities in historically significant areas like Mellon Square.

The first phase of construction is scheduled to last 18 to 24 months. Additionally, the Richard King Mellon Foundation provided a $250,000 grant to fund preliminary engineering for adjacent storefronts.

The players

Richard King Mellon Foundation

This charitable organization supports various community and urban development projects across the Pittsburgh region.

The details

The project includes installing updated lighting, replacing curbs, and enhancing pedestrian crossings while maintaining the current transit-only bus lane. A separate study is currently evaluating the feasibility of installing outdoor dining in storefronts beneath Mellon Square.

Construction work began on Smithfield Street on September 30, 2026.
The first phase of the project is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Market Landscape

This effort reflects a growing trend of municipal investment aimed at countering post-pandemic foot traffic declines in urban business districts. It positions the downtown area to compete for retail interest by upgrading legacy infrastructure to modern pedestrian standards.

Commuters and downtown shoppers should expect ongoing traffic changes and construction activity along Smithfield Street for the next two years. Visitors can look forward to improved pedestrian crossings and potential new outdoor dining options near Mellon Square.

The takeaway

The project demonstrates the city's commitment to prioritizing pedestrian access over purely vehicular transit in the downtown core. Residents can expect a more walkable environment as city planners continue to integrate new commercial storefronts with public infrastructure.