Traffic Issues at Station Square

Reports are bleak concerning the future of traffic around the Harrah’s Station Square Casino proposed for the South Side of Pittsburgh.  In the words of an independent traffic engineer reporting to the Gaming Task Force, the casino may “blow up” the South Side’s traffic congestion.

Both the Harrah’s casino and the Majestic Star Casino came under fire from Chuck Wooster.  Wooster is the president of David E. Wooster and Associates.  The Majestic Star casino has been proposed for the North Shore.  Wooster assessments were most ruthless against Harrah’s Station Square casino. 

Wooster’s list of complaints about the traffic reports issued in conjunction with the Harrah’s casino proposal is that their traffic information was “inadequate”; the number of vehicles drawn by the casino was “woefully underestimated”; and Harrah’s has presented an unacceptably low number of options to ease the congestion predicted to consume the Smithfield Street Bridge or Carson Street.

“I don’t buy it,” says an unconvinced Wooster.  “There’s not a whole boatload of capacity left in the Carson Street system. 

The casino plan that does appease Wooster’s traffic concerns is the project presented by Isle of Capri Casino.  Isle of Capri’s plan involves the construction of a new arena and home for the Pittsburg Penguins.  Wooster, admittedly a hockey fan, insists that his love for the sport has not swayed his assessment.  He provides his service at no charge. 

State gambling regulators intend to issue gambling licenses by mid-December.  The voluntary Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force is responsible for assessing the casino projects and presenting their recommendations to the state.

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