Pittsburg Adds New Gateway Arch Over Railroad Avenue

PITTSBURG, CA – The City of Pittsburg is continuing its efforts to beautify the Railroad Avenue corridor, most recently with signage and hardscape improvements that add aesthetic and cultural value to the community.

The project, which includes a new gateway arch over Railroad Avenue at 8^th Street, a new park with six-foot tall letters spelling “Pittsburg,” across from City Park, and a hardscape simulating a creek bed along between Central Avenue and 10^th Street, was funded by a nearly $2.9 million grant from the Caltrans Clean California Local Grant Program, and a $413,000 contribution from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

“Clean California is thriving, and Caltrans remains deeply committed to investing in our Bay Area communities. This project in Pittsburg demonstrates our commitment by providing vibrant additions that guide locals and visitors to Pittsburg’s historic downtown and enhance walkable spaces,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Director of Caltrans District 4.

The goals of the Clean CA Local Grant Program include reducing the amount of waste and debris within public rights-of-way, pathways, parks, transit centers, and other public spaces; installing measures to beautify and improve public spaces and mitigate the urban heat island effect; enhancing public health, cultural connection, and community placemaking by improving public spaces for walking and recreation; and advancing equity for underserved communities.

The multiple elements were designed by landscape architecture firm Gates and Associates of Walnut Creek, with vast input from the local community. Staff and the consultant conducted outreach at Pittsburg High School, through social media, and the City’s Youth Advisory Commission in late  2022. The feedback gathered was incorporated into the design that was finalized in the summer of 2023.

“Pittsburg was built with hard-working individuals and continues to thrive with the same principle. This project’s objective is to embrace our heritage, diversity, and pride. With many cultures calling Pittsburg home, one thing that unites us all is bright colors. With that in mind, this project brings the bright colors alive as we strive to continue to have a bright future that embraces us all. The Reviving the Heart of Pittsburg Pride Project will invite residents and visitors alike. We know Pittsburg is a beautiful City and are ready for others to see that as well,” added Zuna Barker-Portillo, Environmental Health and Safety Officer for the City of Pittsburg, who has served as Project Manager.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held under the gateway arch on June 13 at 5:30 p.m. The event will include a welcome from Pittsburg Mayor Juan Antonio Banales and a performance from the Pittsburg High School Marching Show Band. The City’s popular bi-weekly car show along the Railroad will follow immediately after.

For more information, call the City of Pittsburg at (925) 252-4129 or visit PittsburgCa.gov.