Pittsburgh Water, City of Pittsburgh Break Ground on $6.8 Million Project to Reduce Flooding in Carrick and Overbrook

For years, heavy rain has sent stormwater across streets, down hillsides and toward homes because the project area lacks the dedicated stormwater infrastructure needed to properly collect and manage runoff. 

The project will change that by installing a new storm sewer system on Stewart Avenue, along with new catch basins and manholes on Stewart Avenue and surrounding streets. The improvements will capture runoff that currently travels overland and provide a dedicated system to safely convey stormwater through the neighborhood. In partnership with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), the project will also include roadway improvements, including new curbs and pavement. 

“When residents raise concerns about flooding, they deserve solutions that address the root causes of the problem,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “By partnering with Pittsburgh Water on this project, we’re improving roads, reducing flooding risks, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit Carrick and Overbrook for years to come.” 

The project also includes a new green infrastructure facility near Stewart Avenue and Horning Street. The facility will capture and temporarily hold stormwater before slowly releasing it into the stormwater system. Slowing runoff will help reduce peak flows during heavy rainfall and lessen pressure on Saw Mill Run, where stormwater from the project area ultimately drains. 

“Addressing flooding and managing stormwater are essential parts of Pittsburgh Water’s commitment to building a more resilient community,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. “This project will help reduce flooding by creating a dedicated system to capture and manage stormwater before it reaches homes and streets, while also improving neighborhood infrastructure. Through our partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, we’re making an investment that will better protect residents, improve drainage and strengthen the community’s resilience during future storms.” 

The project is being completed through a cost-share partnership between Pittsburgh Water and the City of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Water will fund the storm sewer and green infrastructure improvements, while the City will fund roadway improvements. Other shared project costs will be divided equally between the two organizations. 

“This area historically has lacked the stormwater infrastructure needed to properly manage runoff during heavy rain,” said Pittsburgh Water Chief Engineering Officer Rachael Beam. “By adding new catch basins and a dedicated storm sewer system, we’re giving that water a place to go instead of allowing it to travel across streets and toward homes. The green infrastructure component will also help us hold and slow stormwater before it reaches Saw Mill Run.” 

Construction will take place along Stewart Avenue from Saw Mill Run Boulevard to Parkdale Street, as well as portions of Parkdale Street, Esther Street, Horning Street and Carol Circle. Work will include new storm sewer infrastructure, catch basins, manholes, green infrastructure and associated roadway reconstruction. 

Construction is underway and is expected to continue through September 2027. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers and temporary lane restrictions as work progresses. Pittsburgh Water will continue to provide residents with construction and traffic updates throughout the project.