Trip #349 Rialto Street, Troy Hill, took place on September 21, 2019, and was published on October 11, 2019.
Rialto Street. I think we can all agree that driving on it is an absolute nightmare. In fact, its awfulness inspired @rialtostreet, an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing photos and videos of the genuinely ridiculous things motorists try to get away with on this 25% grade two-way street that is closed during inclement weather and can just barely accommodate vehicles passing one another. But when you take the stairs and take it slow, you have the time and space to look in all directions (instead of focusing on the straight-ahead, with your hands gripping the wheel). And you’ll be amazed by all there is to see – and it’s anything but a nightmare!
Field Notes: I must admit I had driving up this street as it’s so steep and narrow (and most cars these days are oversized) but walking up the Rialto Street stairs was not nearly as bad as I thought! Lots of space in between each section of the stairs and lots to look at on the hillside!
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!!
