New Signal Lights Added Near Libermann and Rockwell Halls

Pedestrians and motorists will appreciate the updated signal lights that are now controlling traffic in the intersections near Libermann and Rockwell halls.

New poles and traffic lights, along with pedestrian signals with audible commands for persons with vision impairments, have been installed at Forbes Avenue where it crosses Shingiss Street, at the Sixth Avenue and Diamond Street intersection and at the Liberty Bridge ramps. The new gear includes 13 poles, 20 traffic lights and 22 pedestrian crossing signals.

The new equipment, which is essential for improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety at the edge of campus, is the result of a close working relationship between Duquesne and Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works (DPW). According to Facilities Management’s Greg Fuhrman, manager for the upgrade, the cooperation between his department and the city allowed equipment to be purchased, installed and become operational not just in time for start of the fall semester but far more quickly, perhaps years sooner, than otherwise would have been possible.

Prior to the upgrade, only the crossing on Forbes in front of the Liberty Bridge ramps had pedestrian crossing signs, while the Shingiss intersection lacked a four-way traffic signal. Fuhrman noted that some of the traffic lights at these intersections have already provided more than a half-century of service, and a number of the poles supporting them are older still, having first been installed to support electrical wires for streetcars. A contractor hired by Duquesne will remove all of the no-longer-needed poles.

In addition to the new poles and signals, a streetlight will be installed beneath the Crosstown Expressway near the Liberty Bridge ramps in order to illuminate Forbes Avenue for pedestrians, a safety improvement requested by Duquesne. The city, Fuhrman explained will supply the light fixture, but Duquesne is hiring a contractor to install and wire the light.