On Oct. 23, Pittsburgh Water announced that Phase Two of construction for the Woods Run Storm Water Project in Riverview Park officially began. The project aims to resolve flooding issues due to excessive storm water in the neighboring communities. The project has currently reached 5% completion and is projected to be finished by October of 2026.
Initial planning began back in 2018, with Phase One seeing completion in 2019. The rest of the project is estimated to accumulate a total cost of $4,239,585. Pittsburgh Water has received funding from both the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority’s Green Revitalization of Waterways (GROW) Grant Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
On its website, pgh20.com, Pittsburgh Water describes its vision behind the Woods Run project as a way to prevent future flooding from storms, as well as to positively benefit the community’s future.
“[The project] will culminate in a revitalized, stormwater-friendly Riverview Park that residents and visitors can enjoy for generations to come,” Pittsburgh Water stated on the website.
So far, roadways and trails have not been affected. However, some trails in Riverview Park will be closed in the near future. Parking lots and roadways will also face temporary closures and flaggers. Below is a list of potential areas impacted:
- Old Wissahickon Trail
- Wildflower Trail
- Snowflake Trail
- Archery Trail (northern section)
- Bridle Trail (northern section)
- Mairdale Avenue’s parking lot
- Parking lot below soccer field
Dates of trail and road closures are to be determined. Progress and updates can be located on the Pittsburgh Water website: pgh2o.com/projects-maintenance/search-all-projects/woods-run-stormwater-project-phase-two.
In an interview with The Chronicle, Parks Maintenance Manager Ray Rogalsky shared the current status of construction. He noted that progress has been minimal so far.
“They really haven’t done any major digging yet,” he said.
Pittsburgh Water has focused efforts primarily on green infrastructure to prevent flooding from Woods Run. The plan consists of three key areas: designing rain garden and storm water systems, stabilizing streams, and slowing sewer release.
According to the Pittsburgh Water website, green infrastructure (such as active stormwater retention), traps and prevents pollutants from contaminating waterways. It also mimics the natural process of the soil absorbing water, encouraging water levels to remain at a consistent baseline.
Controlling runoff not only will improve overall water quality, but it will also benefit the surrounding environment. By lessening runoff, the rate of erosion will decrease, as well as overflow into the sewer system.
In an interview with Pittsburgh Water, Chairperson of Friends of Riverview Park, Mark Masterson, commented on the mission of the Woods Run Project.
“Friends of Riverview Park is thrilled to see construction begin on this dynamic stormwater project,” Masterson said. “This infrastructure investment will improve neighborhood resiliency and the community experience while protecting the park’s natural environment. It reflects what’s possible through our partnership between Pittsburgh Water and the community to preserve and enhance one of our city’s most treasured green spaces.”
Progress of the Woods Run Project can be tracked on Pittsburgh Water’s website, under Woods Run Storm Water Improvements.
