Trip #622 Ansonia Place to Saw Mill Run Road, Overbrook took place on July 29, 2021, and was published on August 13, 2021.
Standing here, I try to ignore the unpleasant odor of a stagnant, nearly dry creek bed. I pay no attention to the soda cans, snack wrappers, and empty cigarette packs dotting the hillside like brightly colored plastic flowers or, for that matter, the faded graffiti, peeling paint, and rust stains. I tune out the sounds of traffic, all blaring horns and pounding music. Instead, I close my eyes just a bit and look to an empty spot in the middle distance. Without much effort, it all transforms into something almost refined, nearly majestic, and dare I say even a bit romantic? A touch of glory, faded yet enduring, awaits you here.
Field Notes: Right off of Saw Mill Run Road is this lovely, faded-glory set of city steps and pedestrian overpass. There are ironwork details not found on many other sets of city steps. Must have been quite attractive back when it first opened and guided people to the trolly lines.
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
