16 Intersections in Downtown Pittsburgh Will Have Safety and Accessibility Improvements 

Earlier this week, PRT’s contractor completed installation of a new sidewalk, granite curbs and accessible ramps at Fifth Avenue and Grant Street. This is one of many safety and accessibility improvements along the University Line corridor. ​ 

Intersections along the University Line will be modernized to include ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks, new traffic signals and intersection lighting, Accessible Pedestrian Signals with push button activators and illuminated pedestrian countdown signals. 

Most of the intersections along the corridor will have new sidewalks and new curbs with accessible ramps. ​ 

PRTX stations will have ADA complaint loading zones. The shelters are designed without side panels to provide easier access to wait under the canopy. ​ 

Concrete Footer to be Placed at Fifth Avenue and Ross Street Next Week

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractor will begin preparations for the new granite curb at Fifth Avenue and Ross Street, adjacent to BNY Mellon Service Center. ​ 

Before the new curb can be installed, the contractor must place a concrete footer to support the curb.

After the concrete footer and curb are placed, the contractor will pour new sidewalk, accessible ramps and a 15-foot slab for the new PRXT station.

When construction is complete, this station will have a new 15-foot bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk and new granite curb with accessible ramps.

Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting and new wayfinding signage.

Two-directional traffic is being maintained. The sidewalk remains open across from the work site.

Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall. 

Traffic Signal Installation is Underway

Over the past few months, electrical crews have been placing foundations, poles and mast arms for new traffic signals. ​ 

Last week, electrical crews began hanging new traffic signals at Sixth Avenue and Centre Avenue (pictured above). The new signals will be mounted to the poles and wrapped in a tarp until they are put in service. 

In total, there will be 35 new traffic signals which will support the University Line in downtown Pittsburgh. 

Over the next week, electrical crews will be working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Each location has additional work to be performed. The contractor will move between locations to help keep the project on schedule. ​ 

Pedestrian access will always be maintained; however, some work may require the use of the adjacent parking/travel lane. 

Construction Locations for the University Line 

PRT’s contractor has seven major work zones in downtown Pittsburgh. Five of the locations will be PRTX stations (highlighted in green) and the other two locations are safety improvement zones (highlighted in blue).

When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be five new PRTX stations: 

When construction is complete, each of these locations will have a new bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk and new granite curb with accessible ramps. Station amenities will include a ticket vending machine, emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting and new wayfinding signage. ​ 

In addition to the five stations, there are two safety improvement sites at: 

​ ​ 6. ​ Sixth Avenue (between Fifth Avenue and Diamond Street) 

​ ​ 7. ​ Sixth Avenue (between Smithfield Street and William Penn Pace) 

Both locations will have new expanded sidewalks with granite curbs and accessible ramps improving safety and accessibility along the corridor. ​ 

To learn more about each of the current construction locations, please visit our Construction Locations web page.

Thank you for your continued support of this project.

For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.