Pittsburgh Public Safety Prepares for Independence Day Celebrations
Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh Public Safety and its County and State partners are pleased to support the City of Pittsburgh's Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2024, a cherished annual tradition that showcases the best of everything Pittsburgh has to offer.
As people gather Downtown, on the North Shore, Mount Washington, at the West End Overlook and in neighborhood backyards, rooftops, and green spaces throughout the city to take in the fireworks, our first responders are fully staffed and at the ready to ensure a safe and festive Fourth of July.
"An enormous amount of planning has gone into ensuring residents and visitors are treated to the kind of Independence Day celebration Pittsburgh is known for. This city loves its pyrotechnics, and this year's fireworks display will not disappoint. It is the Department of Public Safety's mission to ensure everyone's safety not only during the fireworks, but during all of the day's events," said Public Safety Director, Lee Schmidt.
Pittsburgh Police patrol officers, supported by the Bureau's multiple specialty units, will be highly visible and providing security in the Central Business District and throughout the city. Mounted Unit officers from Pittsburgh Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Allegheny County Police will proactively patrol Downtown and on the North Shore. Public Safety Crossing Guards will also be on hand to help direct pedestrians cross at key intersections.
Two Pittsburgh EMS Medic units will be stationed at Point State Park, as well as on the North Shore and Mount Washington. Two River Rescue boats and the Pittsburgh Fire Boat will be on the water to ensure boater safety on the three rivers. Signs will be posted prohibiting boat moorage surrounding any of Point State Park's river walks. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Inspector will be overseeing all safety aspects of the main fireworks display.
The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will provide light towers for additional illumination at priority locations Downtown.
Point State Park is the central hub for the day's events. From 4-10 p.m., the Point will feature a family-friendly lineup of free events and entertainment, as well as on-site food vendors.
Please note that Point State Park will close to new entrants at 9:30 p.m. ahead of the fireworks, which are scheduled to start at 9:35 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Light bag checks will be conducted by security at the various entrances to the park. Please refer to the list of prohibited items in the graphic below.
Drivers should take note of road closures Downtown, on the North Shore, and on Mount Washington.
Downtown Road Closures:
- Commonwealth Place between Liberty Ave. and Fort Duquesne Blvd. from 3:30 p.m. until the end of the event
- Liberty Ave. from Stanwix Street to Commonwealth Place inbound and outbound
- Liberty Ave. exit from the Fort Pitt Bridge will be closed by 6 p.m.; traffic will detour to Boulevard of the Allies (10th St. Bypass and Grant St. will remain open)
On the North Shore, the hot air balloon is back on the Great Lawn near the Allegheny River, as well as the stage which is set up for live music and entertainment. The following North Shore roads will be shut down at 7 p.m. to all incoming traffic, with access only to the parking lots and garages on General Robinson until 8:30 p.m.:
- Reedsdale St. at Allegheny Ave.
- Reedsdale St. at Tony Dorsett Dr.
- Reedsdale St. at Mazeroski Way
- Casino Dr. at Sproat Way
- General Robinson at Art Rooney Ave.
- General Robinson at Federal St.
Mount Washington Closures (starting at 6 p.m.):
- Grandview Ave. at Wyoming St.
- Grandview Ave. at Merrimac St.
- PJ McArdle Roadway from Liberty Bridge
- Route 51 at Woodruff St.
- Route 51 and Greenleaf St.
- Shaler St. and Minnotte Sq.
The majority of the roads will immediately reopen at the conclusion of the fireworks at 10 p.m.
Port Authority Police will be on hand to help ensure the flow of pedestrian traffic in and around the Pittsburgh Regional Transit locations to help move crowds out on the PRT network, particularly from Downtown.
A reminder that the Fireworks Task Force will be operating until July 5 to respond to fireworks-related calls and complaints. Misuse and/or illegal use for fireworks can result in warnings, citations, arrests, and confiscation of fireworks.
At time of writing, temperatures on July 4 are expected to reach highs in the high 80s with the possibility for showers and afternoon thunderstorms. Those attending any of the outdoor events are encouraged to dress for the weather and take shelter immediately if lightning is in the area.
"With estimated crowds of approximately 100,000 expected to watch the main show from Point State Park and the other primary vantage points, we ask that everyone assist our first responders by coming prepared for the weather, staying hydrated with the right liquids, establishing a meeting point should groups become separated from one another and, as always, if you see something, say something," said Director Schmidt.
The Department of Public Safety would like to wish everyone a safe and festive Fourth of July holiday!
For a full list of the Independence Day Celebration events, including locations and start times, as well as the list of prohibited items at Point State Park, please refer to the graphics below.
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