Trip #261 South 30th Street to Mary Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on March 2, 2019, and was published on March 15, 2019.
The US Geological Survey defines a pothole as a “fairly small” feature that appears on roads and parking lots due to the failure of paving materials. Sinkholes, on the other hand, are caused when material below ground is removed, and the surface collapses into the void below. Supposedly, the largest reported sinkhole in the United States occurred in central Alabama in 1972 and was affectionately called the “Golly Hole.” As we’ve reached the time of year when Pittsburgh transitions from being the “City of Bridges” to a “City of Road Holes”, perhaps creating nicknames (beyond the expletive-filled ones used by drivers and cyclists) would provide some much-needed entertainment while we impatiently wait for the aroma of freshly cooked asphalt to waft through the spring air.
Field Notes: This newer flight connects South 30th Street to Mary Street and runs along the Print Shop lofts which now houses apartments or condos. Not sure if this newer flight replaced an older one – can’t tell from the city map.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
