ALLEGHENY RIVER BOULEVARD RUNS FROM WASHINGTON BOULEVARD IN PITTSBURGH TO HULTON ROAD IN OAKMONT | PHOTO BY BARBARA BRUNI

Once a scenic stretch of road for drivers to take in the landscape and river views, Allegheny River Boulevard has fallen into disrepair.

But the Allegheny River Boulevard Preservation Association (ARBPA), along with help from the state, is moving forward with improving the aesthetics of the 6-mile corridor, which runs from Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh, through Penn Hills and Verona, to Hulton Road in Oakmont.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill on April 17 that would designate the boulevard a scenic byway. The bill is now under consideration by the state Senate Transportation Committee. It would allow for more grant opportunities, doubled littering fines, and potential restoration of the landscape and architecture along the Allegheny River Boulevard.

The association was awarded a $20,000 Keystone Planning Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to develop a preservation management plan. The grant required a one-to-one cash match through association fundraising, which the organization achieved through donations.

According to the Tribune-Review, Allegheny River Boulevard was always meant to be an experience. Architects added three stone turnouts, granite curbs, commemorative pylons along the road and fountains.

PHOTO BY BARBARA BRUNI

Creating a more aesthetic environment in the future is not only for appearance purposes but also for economic growth and revitalization of the surrounding communities, says Mike Dawida, executive director of Scenic Pittsburgh, in an email.

“The preservation and enhancement of this scenic route can lead to long-term economic benefits for these communities through increased tourism and recreation opportunities.”

In 1994, the Allegheny River Boulevard was named one of America’s 10 most endangered scenic byways by Scenic America due to a lack of stewardship.

The association has plans to create a more welcoming environment for drivers and locals with trails and sidewalks eventually added to the byway.

Founded by a group of Pittsburgh citizens, the association’s mission is to “restore, preserve, and enhance the natural and built environments of the historic Allegheny River Boulevard scenic roadway.”

“When I was a kid, I have fond memories of my father getting his first car and packing up the family and driving from the South Hills to the Allegheny River Boulevard for picnics,” says Dawida. “Returning ARB to its original glory makes sense for business, beauty, and community.”