***NEW GOAL: $10,000 TOTAL INCLUDES NEW SIGNAGE! Read our update below in blue***
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There's a significant missing link in Pittsburgh's riverfront trail system. If you've biked the Great Allegheny Passage or Eliza Furnace "Jail Trail" into downtown Pittsburgh, you know there's not an off-street non-motorized route to get from the Smithfield Street Bridge/PNC First Side to your final destination, Point State Park.
What's the Mon Wharf Switchback Ramp?
The Mon Wharf Switchback Ramp will connect cyclists using the Smithfield Street Bridge, Eliza Furnace "Jail Trail" and Great Allegheny Passage safetly and smoothly down to the Mon Wharf Landing, a linear park along the Monongahela River. The ramp will be ADA accessible and fully lit at night.
![Mon Wharf Switchback Ramp]( "Mon Wharf Switchback Ramp")
You will then be able to ride west along the Landing straight into Point State Park, arriving at its stunning 150-foot tall fountain and the headwaters of the Ohio River.
The Switchback will make the entire Great Allegheny Passage ride from Cumberland, Md. to Pittsburgh's Point State Park non-motorized...meaning no cars or riding in traffic. Perfect for cyclists of all skill levels and ages!
Watch the animated video above to see how exactly this works!
What was that you said about "recent funding victories"? How can my small donation make this project actually happen?
The Mon Wharf Switchback is what we like to call a "shovel-ready" project, meaning that it's already been designed, engineered and permitted. All we need is to secure the final funding to break ground and start building the Ramp. AND WE'RE SO CLOSE!
On June 14, 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources annouced funding for a connection from the Mon Wharf into Point State Park. Thanks to this generous contribution, the Mon Wharf Switchback is now within striking distance.
We're asking you, members of the Pittsburgh community, to become active supporters of this project and contribute whatever you can to make the Switchback a reality.
****UPDATE, 6/28/12:****
Wow. Just. Wow!
CONGRATULATIONS! We have met and exceeded our community goal of $4,454 to build the Mon Wharf Switchback, and in less than 24 hours! We're speechless. Thank you all for your awe-inspiring show of support. When we band together, great things can happen along Pittsburgh's riverfronts and we are thrilled to see this long-awaited project move forward.
Let's not stop here! The rapid response to this project shows a real hunger in Pittsburgh for bike/ped riverfront improvements. A critical piece of the Mon Wharf Switchback is signage; that is, making sure our riverfront trail and park options are well-marked with easy-to-understand signs. Pittsburgh has a proud history of great signage along its riverfronts...let's maintain that tradition for the Mon Wharf Switchback!
![Pittsburgh has great signage!]()
There are currently four major signage projects connected to the Mon Wharf. Here's the plan...
We will continue to raise increments of $5,000 for signage. For each $5K beyond our original goal, we'll have the necessary funding to install and even upgrade the signs that will direct people to the Mon Wharf Switchback and into Point State Park.
![Photo showing lack of signage at future Switchback location]()
When you make a donation, you are contributing to the excellent quality of the whole Mon Wharf Switchback package.
Keep those donations coming and spreading the word about this campaign - remember, we only have until August 26 to raise this community funding!
THANK YOU!
The Riverlife team
Who is Riverlife?
Riverlife works in Pittsburgh to reclaim, restore and promote our city's riverfronts. Making connections for trails and greenways along Pittsburgh's riverfronts is key as we construct Three Rivers Park, Pittsburgh's 13-mile interconnected riverfront park system.
Make a donation to the Mon Wharf Switchback today right here on IndieGoGo or visit our website, www.riverlifepgh.org
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You will then be able to ride west along the Landing straight into Point State Park, arriving at its stunning 150-foot tall fountain and the headwaters of the Ohio River.
