Two comments from the Post Gazette published on Tuesday January 26, 2010:
Re: Rialto closing
Closing Rialto at times is important, and an issue that will always exist, but to do so in such a severe manner with two days’ notice is extremely shortsighted (“City to Block Off Section of Rialto Street in Troy Hill,” Jan. 21). The majority of the time in winter months the road is just fine. The city of Pittsburgh does an excellent job of maintaining it during the winter months.
The city and Councilwoman Darlene Harris should have delayed the closing for at least two weeks to examine other options for secure road closure instead of concrete barriers. Metal gates that can be securely locked would be a much better solution for closing the road when the weather makes it dangerous to use. They should have asked for community input.
It is a shame that a few people who have used poor judgment and put their lives and property at risk have made it impossible for hundreds of motorists to use this roadway on a daily basis.
JAN LONEY
Troy Hill
Burdening most
Regarding the “temporary” closing of Rialto Street (Pig Hill) by Council President Darlene Harris because of winter conditions (“City to Block Off Section of Rialto Street in Troy Hill,” Jan. 21), I feel it necessary to comment. I’ve used this street for more than 40 years and the only danger I have encountered is driver inexperience, the four-wheel drive mentality (I can go anywhere) and the lack of common sense.
I have seen the wooden horse barriers and the snow covering the street and have used the alternate routes, as have 99 percent of the people who use this hill daily.
Children taking down the barricade as a prank happens quite frequently, and then there’s the occasional “idiot” who thinks he or she can make it and moves the barrier, but again conditions and experience are the rule for using this street. When there is no snow or ice, there is no need to close the street.
The inconvenience of the closure is a pain, for the only other accesses to get off the hill lead to the same intersection of Chestnut and East Ohio streets, which on a good day adds 10 to 15 minutes to your commute. The time and wasted fuel alone sitting in traffic because somebody who lacks “common sense” used the hill when he shouldn’t have is putting a burden on the rest of us, especially the residents of Troy Hill who use this route daily.
Another solution needs to be found — and quickly — for the more than 500 vehicles that use this hill daily.
GEORGE GAVRAN
Troy Hill
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10026/1031017-110.stm#ixzz0dhAciEoW
