Swisshelm Park Solar Remediation Work Begins Today
Closure of a portion of the Nine Mile Run Trail to take effect in May
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 7, 2025) Environmental remediation at the site of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Swisshelm Park Solar Project officially begins today and is expected to last through the end of September 2025. During this first phase of the project, the URA’s selected contractor, Brex Enterprises, will “cap” the remaining portions of exposed steel slag in Swisshelm Park, to enable the URA to return the property to safe, productive use.
The capping method involves placing a cover of imported soil and vegetation over the contaminated land, which will keep contaminants in place to prevent exposure to people, pets, and wildlife.
The remediation work is made possible through $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and a $2 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2024 Brownfields Cleanup Grant award. Plans for Phase II of the project include developing a 15-acre solar farm and transferring a portion of the property to the City of Pittsburgh for an approximately 55-acre expansion of Frick Park.
Temporary Trail Closure for Public Safety
As a result of the remediation process, a section of the Nine Mile Run Trail between Commercial Street and Duck Hollow will close unremittingly. This temporary closure is expected to take effect on May 8, 2025 between the pedestrian bridge over Lower Nine Mile Run and the southern Commercial Street access point.
Those using Frick Park for recreation during this period are encouraged to plan accordingly and use other park access points in Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, and Regent Square.
“We know the trail closure is inconvenient, but it is necessary to protect our neighbors and park visitors,” said Lilly Freedman, URA Senior Development Projects Manager. “Capping the site will improve the health and safety of both residents and trail users while also preparing the site for solar development and park expansion.”
Alternative Routes to Access Frick Park
Instead of accessing the Nine Mile Run Trail via Old Browns Hill Road in Duck Hollow, bicyclists and pedestrians can take Parkview Boulevard to Summerset Drive, turn left onto Forward Avenue, and then right onto Beechwood Boulevard, leading to Squirrel Hill access points, including the Riverview Trail/Blue Slide Playground entrance or the Beechwood Gate Entrance.
If descending from Swisshelm Park, bicyclists and pedestrians may use PennDOT’s relocated trail, as part of the I-376 Parkway East - Commercial Street Bridge Replacement project, to access the northern end of Nine Mile Run and Frick Park. This path may face intermittent closures.
The URA does not recommend using the portion of Forward Avenue between Summerset Drive and the former Irish Centre as there are no bike lanes or sidewalks.
For more information on the Swisshelm Park Solar Project, visit: ura.org/pages/swisshelm-park-solar.
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