LandslideMitigation GeotechnicalEngineering Pittsburgh

Landslide Forces Closure of East Busway in Pittsburgh

Oct, 11, 2024
Landslides Other Geotechnical News On Natural Disasters / Failures
United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Authored by: Geoengineer.org

*Landslide destroyed the roadway in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Source: CBS news*

A recent landslide in Pittsburgh’s Strip District has forced the closure of the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway, significantly disrupting public transit routes. The landslide, triggered by a water main break on Brereton Street, sent mud, trees, and debris tumbling down onto the busway on October 11, 2024. As a result, several bus routes have been rerouted, adding 15 to 20 minutes to commutes for many passengers.

The situation remains under careful monitoring by a geotechnical engineering firm hired by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). Engineers are shoring up the hillside to prevent further landslides and placing concrete jersey barriers along the shoulder of the busway. Although crews are actively working on the cleanup and mitigation efforts, PRT has not provided a timeline for the busway’s reopening.

Local residents, especially those on Brereton Street, are deeply concerned about future damage. One house has already been condemned, and homeowners are worried about the stability of the hillside. Legal action against government agencies remains complicated, with insurance not typically covering landslides, leaving many residents in a precarious position.

The cleanup will undoubtedly be costly, and the challenges of landslide prevention and damage control will be ongoing for both the city and affected residents.

Check out the following video for more information.