Barriers Installed Along Former Fifth Avenue Bus Lane

Barriers Installed Along Former Fifth Avenue Bus Lane

PRT’s contractor has installed reflective channelizing barriers along the recently decommissioned counterflow lane to deter vehicles from driving and stopping in the closed lane.

Earlier this week, the contractor installed more than 500 channelizers on Fifth Avenue stretching from Jumonville Street in Uptown to Bellfield Avenue in Oakland.

The counterflow bus lane was permanently retired from service after more than 45 years on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

In future phases of construction, a protected two-way bicycle lane will be installed along Fifth Avenue where the counterflow bus lane was previously located, and dedicated bus-only lanes will be installed along Fifth and Forbes avenues through Uptown and Oakland.

Bus routes that previously traveled in the counterflow lane were permanently rerouted to Forbes Avenue. The routing changes will be incorporated into PRT’s regularly scheduled service changes in February.

Green Infrastructure Installation Underway on Forbes Avenue in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to install green infrastructure (GI) systems throughout Uptown. The most recent green infrastructure construction is an underground storage tank on Forbes Avenue near Pride Street.

Ultimately, GI will be installed at 18 locations as part of the University Line project. Thirteen locations will have underground GI storage tanks, which will not be visible once construction is complete. Five locations will have bioswales, commonly known as rain gardens, with both underground infrastructure and above ground plantings.

Bioswales/above ground stormwater retention ponds will be located at:

As work progresses, crews will begin to excavate these locations and create a frame for the bioswales. The bioswales are long trenches which collect storm water runoff from the streets and sidewalks, allowing water to collect and infiltrate slowly into the ground rather than overload the combined sewer system.

Crews will install a sub-base of gravel and organic matter before a final layer of vegetation is applied. These layers will slow the water infiltration and filter out pollutants.

Sidewalk Restoration Continues on Fifth Avenue in Oakland and Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to install new sidewalks, curbs, and special reinforced concrete to support future PRTX Stations at multiple locations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Contractors have already completed excavation, utility relocation, running conduits for station power, and then replacing the existing sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps.

In future phases, PRT will install five new PRTX Stations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland with transit amenities, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

The University Line Corridor 

When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be 24 PRTX stations throughout Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

PRT continues to work closely with stakeholders including community groups, universities, businesses, and other impacted groups during construction. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

PRTX stations will have new shelters with upgraded amenities, including next-bus arrival screens, fare vending machines, seating, lighting, emergency phones, and security cameras. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

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