Learn more about Mt. Lebanon Sidewalks

Sidewalks are a critical piece of our transportation system here in Mt. Lebanon. Whether they’re used for a child to get to school or for a resident to walk to public transit or for a client to get to a business, our sidewalk network must be kept in top shape.

Sidewalk improvements

Mt. Lebanon has two sidewalk programs: One is our root damaged sidewalk program. Each year, the municipality inspects sidewalks that are heaving due to roots from municipal street trees. Our annual program rotates through sections of the municipality and repairs these slabs. Repair dollars come from tax funds in the municipal operating budget. Each year, the commission allocates funds and the municipality hires the contractor who supplies the lowest responsible bid. The contractor then works to replace as many sidewalk slabs as possible for the bid price, until the funds for the year are depleted. This work starts when school is out and the contractors are told to complete the work before school begins in the fall. However, due to the amount of work needed, it’s possible the work could extend into fall.

The other program is our sidewalk assessment program. When approved by the commission, the municipality sends notification to property owners whose sidewalks are in need of repair from defects, damage or wear NOT caused by roots from municipal street trees. In these cases, the municipality will repair the sidewalk using our contractor at the bid price and bill the property owner. Property owners can repair the sidewalk on their own, if they choose, as long as it meets municipal specifications.

We’ve created an interactive map of both programs. This map will dynamically update as slabs are completed.

Sidewalk Construction

Woodland Drive between Terrace Drive and Macarthur Drive

The Commission approved sidewalk construction for Woodland Drive on May 13, 2025. Construction began the week of June 15 and is ongoing into October. The project includes new concrete sidewalks on Woodland Drive, between Terrace Drive and Macarthur Drive. More information can be found here, and a map of the affected area is shown here.

You play an important part in our sidewalk program. Inspect your sidewalks regularly

All facilities, including sidewalks, require regular maintenance to reduce the damage caused over time by the effects of weather and use. On a regular basis home owners should inspect their sidewalks to determine if any of the following unsafe conditions are present:

Step separation – A vertical displacement of ¾ inch or greater at any point on the walkway that could cause pedestrians to trip or prevent the wheels of a wheelchair or stroller from rolling smoothly;

Badly cracked concrete – Holes and rough spots ranging from hairline cracks to indentations wider than 2 inches.

Spalled areas – Fragments of concrete detached from the sidewalk slab;

Settled areas that trap water – Sidewalk segments with depressions, reverse cross slopes, or other indentations that make the sidewalk path lower than the curb. These depressions trap silt and water on the sidewalk and reduce the slip resistant nature of the surface;

Vegetation overgrowth – Ground cover, trees, or shrubs on properties or setbacks adjacent to the path that have not been pruned can encroach onto the path and create obstacles;

Obstacles – Objects located on the sidewalk, in setbacks, or on properties adjacent to the sidewalk that obstruct the passage space.

To report sidewalk hazards caused by Municipal street trees, go to myLebo.

Do-It-Yourself Method

As costs rise for everyone, including the municipality, it may in fact pay you to consider the do-it-yourself option, especially if it is a small job. If you have a large job, you may want to consider hiring a professional for the best results.

If you are doing any new or replacement work it is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to follow the Right-of-Way opening procedures and regulations. All work will be inspected by the Department of Public Works. You will need a Sidewalk Inspection to work in the Municipal right-of-way, as well as a set of sidewalk and driveway construction details. If you hire a contractor, the contractor will be responsible for obtaining the permit.

Sidewalk Expansion Policy

If you and your neighbors are hoping to increase the sidewalks in your area, we have a new policy to help you get moving! On August 22, 2023, the Commission approved a process that should make it easier for residents to get sidewalks in their neighborhood. That policy was updated November 11, 2025. From the policy:

Property owners on municipally maintained streets without sidewalks may petition the municipality for financial support to install new sidewalks. Moreover, the municipality will continue to require sidewalk installation and replacement (at owner expense) in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XV, Streets and Sidewalks, Part 2, Sidewalk Construction, Repair and Maintenance, of the Mt. Lebanon Code and Home Rule Charter. Likewise, property owners may continue to install sidewalks without Municipal support according to current building codes and permitting procedures. Nothing in this policy is a waiver of these provisions.

Priority for new sidewalk installation will be given to streets that:

Are proximate to public assets and common community destinations including, but not limited to: schools, parks and recreation areas, business districts, places of worship, public transportation stops, hospitals, post offices, or other government facilities; and

100 percent of the affected property owners agree to accept the new sidewalks, construction cost sharing, maintenance and replacement. Sidewalks will not normally be installed without 100% participation from the abutting owners. An agreement will normally be required before the municipality will proceed.

2025 Sidewalk Expansion Policy

Active construction of new sidewalks

As an example of sidewalk expansion, the Commission approved sidewalk construction for Woodland Drive on May 13, 2025. Construction has now concluded. The project included new concrete sidewalks on Woodland Drive, between Terrace Drive and Macarthur Drive. Read more information and see a map of the affected area.

Proposed areas for new sidewalks

The Commission requested Gateway Engineers to perform a Type, Size, and Location study for sidewalks on select streets within Mt. Lebanon. View the presentation or watch the video from the September 12, 2023 meeting.

Based on the sidewalk study, the Commission has a list of areas where significant numbers of residents have asked for sidewalks. For each street is a map of the area under consideration and a link to the petition if you would like to make your feelings known.