Project Description

In coordination with District 4, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) assessed safety concerns at intersection of Biscayne Drive and Valera Ave in the Carrick neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh. Planning work from DOMI confirmed the presence of safety issues as there were 8 reported crashes in the period from 2019-2023. Based on this crash history, the intersection’s large curb radii, and two-way stop control, the intersection was identified as a candidate for a neighborhood traffic circle.

Existing Conditions

Of the 8 reported crashes, the majority were angle type crashes which demonstrates operation safety issues with existing right-of-way control. Currently is minor-leg stop controlled with Biscayne Drive free flowing and Valera Avenue stop-controlled.

The goal of the traffic circle is to right-size the right-of-way control based on the number of vehicles entering the intersection and improve operational safety. Additionally, a traffic circle calms traffic through the intersection and improves yielding compliance for pedestrian crossings.

Project Location

Crash History Diagram

Planned Improvements

  • Traffic circle
  • High-visibility piano key crosswalks
  • New accessibility/ADA curb ramps