Council OKs PennDOT reimbursement agreement for McArdle Roadway preliminary design, city share capped at $20,000

Pittsburgh City Council approved a resolution on Oct. 22 authorizing the mayor and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to enter a reimbursement agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the preliminary design phase of the McArdle Roadway reconstruction project.

Eric Sapsler, chief engineer in the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, described the action as an early but important step in a multi-year effort to secure federal and state funds for a larger reconstruction of McArdle Roadway from the Liberty Tunnel to Grandview. Sapsler said the city already has bridge-preservation projects in the corridor and that the new agreement would allow the city to complete a comprehensive roadway reconstruction project more likely to attract federal funding.

The resolution sets the maximum reimbursable preliminary-design cost at $1,200,000 with an 80% reimbursement rate; the city's municipal share was described at committee not to exceed $20,000. Sapsler confirmed that structural elements such as railings and fencing would be included in the scope and said the project will advance through federal processes that will take several years.

Council members representing Mount Washington and surrounding neighborhoods praised the action. The administration and DMI staff said further design work and community engagement will follow.

The resolution passed on a voice vote and will allow the city to proceed with design activities and coordinate with PennDOT on federal funding steps.