Raised Crosswalk on Federal Street Hopes to Protect Pittsburgh Pedestrians
New Street Designs Hope to Increase Pedestrian Safety in Pittsburgh
Drivers will have to go out of their way to avoid the newly raised crosswalk on Federal Street. That’s the point. As pedestrian crashes increase, Pittsburgh is redesigning its streets to slow drivers down and eliminate excuses for collisions.
The project, located at the intersection of Federal and Parkhurst Streets in the Central North Side, includes a raised crosswalk, ADA-compliant ramps, painted bump-outs to improve sightlines, and new signage. It’s part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities across the city, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
A 2021 traffic study revealed that 54% of drivers on Federal Street exceeded the 25 mph speed limit. The fastest clocked speed was 51 mph on a street surrounded by hospitals, libraries, businesses, and heavy foot traffic.
These numbers aren’t just abstract. Between 2020 and 2024, six people were struck by vehicles in that corridor. Several suffered serious injuries. When city officials greenlight projects like raised crosswalks, it’s often because too many people have already been hurt.
But beyond safety, raised crosswalks also shift how pedestrian injury cases are evaluated under Pennsylvania law.
Raised Crosswalks and Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
A raised crosswalk works like a speed bump, but wider and designed for pedestrian traffic. It forces drivers to slow down, not just with signage, but through physical roadway design. In legal terms, this shifts how fault is analyzed when a crash happens at one of these locations.
Under Pennsylvania law, pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks. When a pedestrian is struck in a clearly designated crossing area, liability typically falls on the driver, unless there’s strong evidence the pedestrian acted recklessly (such as darting out suddenly or crossing against a signal). But even then, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules may still allow a seriously injured person to recover compensation.
Raised crosswalks add another layer to the case. They signal to drivers that extra caution is required. So if a motorist hits someone in a raised crosswalk, it strengthens the argument that the driver was not only negligent but also ignored multiple warning signs, both literal and physical.
In these cases, a lawyer may present evidence that the roadway design should have prevented the crash and that the driver failed to adapt, which can increase liability and, in some cases, support claims for punitive damages.
How Street Design Affects Injury Claims
Modern traffic safety projects, such as the one on Federal Street, demonstrate how infrastructure can influence the outcome of personal injury cases. Changes to the physical layout of intersections often make it easier to prove negligence after a crash.
Raised crosswalks, curb bump-outs, and ADA-accessible ramps all serve a dual purpose: they protect pedestrians and make it harder for insurers or defense attorneys to blame the victim.
Several factors may influence the outcome of a pedestrian injury claim when enhanced safety features are in place. Design features that may strengthen a pedestrian claim include:
- Raised Crosswalks: These slow traffic physically. If a driver doesn’t reduce speed and causes a collision, it may support a claim of gross negligence.
- Painted Curb Extensions (Bump-Outs): These improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. Their presence can make it harder for a driver to argue they “didn’t see” the person crossing.
- ADA-Compliant Ramps and Markings: These make pedestrian pathways clearly visible and accessible. If a pedestrian was following the intended path and got hit, it bolsters their case.
- New Safety Signage: Warning signs are considered part of driver responsibility. Failure to heed them can support claims of inattention or disregard for traffic rules.
Even with safety improvements, crashes continue to occur. But when they occur in locations specifically designed to reduce speed and improve visibility, it’s easier to show that the driver’s actions were unreasonable under the circumstances.
That can make a huge difference in the value of a claim and the outcome of a lawsuit. These are the kinds of factors a skilled pedestrian accident attorney will evaluate when building a strong case.
What to Know If You’ve Been Hit While Crossing the Street
Raised crosswalks like the one on Federal Street represent progress, but they’re also a reminder that not every driver takes safety seriously. Pedestrians remain vulnerable, especially in busy areas near hospitals, libraries, and businesses, like the Parkhurst Street intersection. If someone is hit while crossing, they may be left with serious injuries, hospital bills, and weeks or months out of work.
Time is not on a victim’s side. Pennsylvania has strict legal deadlines, and evidence at the scene doesn’t last forever. Surveillance footage, traffic data, and witness statements all play a role in proving liability. And once construction begins or ends at a site like Federal Street, conditions change, sometimes making it harder to recreate the circumstances of the crash.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly after any pedestrian collision. Whether the crash occurred at a raised crosswalk, an unmarked crossing, or mid-block, consulting with a lawyer can help injured pedestrians understand their rights and take steps toward recovery.
Hurt in a Crosswalk Crash? Get Pittsburgh’s Toughest Legal Team on Your Side
Pedestrians struck by careless drivers deserve more than excuses and lowball offers. Romanow Law Group takes these cases seriously and pushes for every dollar injured clients are owed. Free consultations are available now to review the crash, answer your questions, and lay out a game plan. No pressure. No upfront fees. No backing down.
If you’re hurt, don’t wait. Evidence fades fast, and legal deadlines can cut strong cases short. Contact Romanow Law Group today and get the Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers who fight to win.
"Romanow Law Group provided exceptional legal representation for my case. Amber was incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated, guiding me through the entire process with clarity and confidence. Their team was responsive, efficient, and always went the extra mile. I'm grateful for their hard work and expertise." - Mikayla P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐