Completion of Mt. Washington Landslide Remediation Projects

Published on May 05, 2025

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Mayor Ed Gainey and the City of Pittsburgh Celebrates Completion of Mt. Washington Landslide Remediation Projects

Greenleaf, Reese, and William Street Projects Deliver Slope Stability, Protect Neighborhoods, and Advance Citywide Resilience Goals

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Mayor Ed Gainey joined the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) to celebrate the completion of three major landslide remediation projects on the slopes of Mt. Washington. 

The projects, located at Greenleaf Street, Reese Street, and William Street, have brought long-term stability to some of Pittsburgh’s most landslide-prone terrain—protecting roads, trails, and nearby homes while reinforcing the City’s commitment to building resilient neighborhoods. 

“Here in Pittsburgh, we know that our unique geography shapes our lives,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “From the views on Mount Washington, to the roads and trails that connect us—our hillsides are part of who we are. But when they become unstable, they threaten the safety of our residents and disrupt daily life. That’s why I’m so thankful to PEMA and FEMA for helping us prioritize remediation and resilience to keep our residents safe.” 

The projects were funded by a $13.3 million Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administered by PEMA, with a 25% local match provided by the City of Pittsburgh. 

Remediation and Resilience at Work 

 Each of the three sites presented unique challenges due to soil and geologic conditions, slope geometry, and the proximity to critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and utilities. 

  • At Greenleaf Street, slope stabilization techniques including deep soil stiffening elements, soil nails, high-strength mesh, and a rock buttress to help secure the hillside above Saw Mill Run Boulevard, the South Main Street Ramp, and restore the Emerald View Trail. 
  • At Reese Street, engineers constructed a deep foundation caisson wall to prevent further slope movement and protect nearby trails and rail infrastructure. 
  • The William Street project included multiple retaining walls, soil nails, and drainage improvements to protect homes, stabilize the William Street Shared-use Path, and reduce erosion impacting Arlington Avenue and P.J. McArdle Roadway. 

“These are more than engineering projects—they’re investments in public safety, economic stability, and quality of life,” said DOMI Director Kim Lucas. “By preventing future landslides, we reduce costly emergency responses, keep our neighborhoods connected, and support a more equitable, reliable transportation system.” 

Citywide Impact 

 The Mt. Washington projects are part of a broader City effort to address hillside instability and climate-related vulnerabilities through proactive, data-driven infrastructure planning. Studies from the National Institute of Building Sciences show that every $1 invested in mitigation yields approximately $6 in future cost savings—making projects like these essential to Pittsburgh’s long-term resilience strategy. 

“These hillsides are among the most iconic—and most fragile—landscapes in Pittsburgh,” said Acting Chief Engineer Zack Workman. “The solutions we’ve implemented here reflect the best of modern geotechnical engineering, thoughtful public investment, and a commitment to keeping our communities safe.” 

The final elements of the Greenleaf Street site wrapped up by the end of this May, marking the full completion of construction work at all three sites. 

Project Partners 

The City of Pittsburgh thanks the many partners who made this effort possible, including: 

  • The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 
  • CDR Maguire, project management 
  • Gannett Fleming, design and engineering lead 
  • Many engineering, surveying and technical support companies,  
  • E. Holdings, Inc., public engagement lead 
  • Residents of the Mt. Washington and West End communities for their patience and input throughout the process 

To learn more about this project and the City’s ongoing resilience efforts, visit our EngagePGH platform.

Jacob Williams
Press Officer
(412) 667-8264
Jacob.Williams@pittsburghpa.gov

 

 

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