Pittsburgh police gear up for safe Light Up Night

Pittsburgh public safety officials are gearing up for Saturday’s Highmark Light Up Night festival, and said they are taking extensive measures to ensure the event is safe.

Large crowds are expected in Pittsburgh’s central business district for the 61st anniversary celebration featuring live music, family-friendly entertainment, tree lighting and fireworks.

“The plan is for everyone to come Downtown to Light Up Night, a tradition we’ve held here for decades, and have a good time,” Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones told reporters Wednesday. “We’ve made every effort to make sure this is a safe, family event … we are not taking this lightly.”

Jones declined to comment on recent upticks in violence in Pittsburgh. Earlier this week, a bystander was shot just a block away from the City-County Building, where the tree lighting will take place on Light Up Night.

“If I have to warn you about anything, it’s to be patient with the traffic,” Jones said.

Pittsburgh police officers assigned to 12-hour shifts will be working closely with their local law enforcement partners to help provide security Downtown. There will be a mounted unit presence with as many as 17 horses.

EMS officials will provide extra medic units, including motorcycles, in case of medical emergencies. River Rescue crews will be patrolling the rivers to provide added security for those enjoying the events on and near the water.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire will oversee the fireworks grand finale by Zambelli at 9:30 p.m. at the Allegheny Overlook on Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Road closures and parking restrictions will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday along Fort Duquesne Boulevard from Stanwix Street to Seventh Street, Stanwix and Liberty, Penn Avenue and Sixth Street, and Fifth Street at Liberty.

Click here for a full schedule of events.