After Venice, Pittsburgh boasts the most number of bridges in a city. The many bridges of Pittsburgh add up to a critical mass that can become an icon of the city. The bridges should be made more prominent by lighting and painting them in interesting ways, giving each bridge a clear new identity. Some bridges define neighborhoods and should be made more pedestrian-friendly and protected with open space and visual corridors.
Bridge supports are natural opportunities for connections from bridge overlooks to the rivers' edge.
Many bridges should be renovated with better pedestrian access. Vertical connections at the bridge piers could be sculptural and provide additional viewing areas for river events. Where appropriate, water-oriented programs should be placed at the base of the bridge to increase security and contribute to the cost of elevators and ramp maintenance. Inclines are a unique response to Pittsburgh's dramatic topography and are as iconic as San Francisco's cable cars. These vertical bridges should be highlighted and incorporated in improving connections to the rivers.