About this Location

Facility Overview

The Second Avenue UPMC Parking facility is a strategically situated parking area located along the Second Avenue (PA-885) corridor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, nestled directly below the Oakland medical and university district. Primarily established to support healthcare professionals, campus researchers, and visitors associated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and the adjacent Pittsburgh Technology Center (PTC), this facility offers an expansive, well-maintained surface lot footprint. Because it operates largely as an open-air lot, there are no restrictive multi-level ceiling barriers, making it exceptionally friendly for oversized vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, conversion vans, high-roof delivery vehicles, and roof-rack-equipped SUVs that often struggle with clearance in tight Oakland parking decks.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated alongside the Monongahela River riverfront and Technology Drive, the facility acts as a key transit gateway connecting the river valley to higher-elevation commercial, medical, and entertainment districts:

Pittsburgh Technology Center (PTC): Located within a short 3 to 7-minute walk, housing major biotechnology, robotics, and academic research institutions.
UPMC Medical Complex & University of Pittsburgh: The central Oakland healthcare campuses—including UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Montefiore, and Magee-Womens Hospital—are situated just up the hill (approximately 1 to 1.5 miles away) and are routinely serviced by dedicated institutional commuter shuttles.
South Side Works & East Carson Street: Positioned just across the river via the nearby Hot Metal Bridge (a 12 to 15-minute walk or a brief 3-minute drive), granting swift access to South Side’s extensive shopping, dining, and live entertainment scenes.
Eliza Furnace Trail (The Jail Trail): Bordering the corridor, providing instant recreational access for pedestrians, runners, and cycling commuters headed into Downtown Pittsburgh or towards Schenley Park.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The car park enjoys premier highway accessibility, positioned moments from the heavily traveled Interstate 376 (Penn-Lincoln Parkway) via the Bates Street exit (Exit 73A/73B). Ingress and egress along Second Avenue (Route 885) are governed by dedicated turning lanes and clear sightlines, minimizing bottle-necking during morning and afternoon shift changes. For non-driving legs of travel, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus routes—notably the 56 and 57 lines—run directly along Second Avenue, while frequent UPMC employee shuttle buses connect this riverside perimeter directly to Oakland facilities, sparing drivers the notorious traffic congestion of Fifth and Forbes Avenues.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous bay dimensions and uninhibited vertical clearance suitable for standard and oversized passenger vehicles.
Lighting & Security Measures: Well-illuminated bays with perimeter fencing, security patrols, and surveillance coverage tailored to 24-hour healthcare shift schedules.
Designated ADA Accessible Spaces: Fully marked, barrier-free accessible parking stalls conveniently situated near main pedestrian access points and shuttle pickup pavilions.
Shuttle Infrastructure: Sheltered waiting zones designed specifically for frequent medical center shuttles and corporate campus transit lines.
Digital Payment & Permit Options: Seamless integration with institutional permit programs and automated pay-by-plate or mobile payment systems during designated visitor hours.

Ideal For

UPMC Healthcare Workers & Clinical Staff: Seeking a reliable, high-capacity commuter park-and-ride lot with swift shuttle connections to Oakland hospital complexes.
Tech & Research Professionals: Daily employees commuting to offices and laboratories within the Pittsburgh Technology Center.
South Oakland & Trail Commuters: Multi-modal commuters taking advantage of the connected trail systems and public bus lines.
Oversized Vehicle Drivers: Contractors and motorists driving tall trucks or vans who require hassle-free headroom not found in conventional garages.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Drivers entering from I-376 should prepare for heavy merge traffic around the Bates Street ramp during peak morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) commuter periods. If you are visiting during an active clinical shift change, allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes to clear traffic signals along Second Avenue. Always confirm permit requirements or display your parking receipt clearly if you are parking during standard business hours, as monitoring is strictly enforced to preserve space for authorized personnel and medical campus shuttles.