Construction in Former Counterflow Lane Begins

Construction in Former Counterflow Lane Begins

PRT contractors have begun road work in the former counterflow lane in preparation for the future bi-directional bike lane.

Milling of the road is scheduled for this evening between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Road patching will occur to replace sections of road subsurface before final paving.

This phase of work will also create a new extended curb line that will widen the existing sidewalk. Several sections of sidewalk adjacent to the future bike lane between Craft and Bellefield avenues will be replaced. ​

No coordinated utility work is planned similar to the construction activities that took place on the other side of Fifth Avenue.

While most of the construction activities associated with the future bike lane are expected to be completed by the end of July, bicyclists will not be permitted to use the lane until project completion later this year.

Extensive Road Restoration Continues in Uptown

New traffic patterns continue along Fifth Avenue in Uptown as contractors mill, patch, and pave the roadway.

From Kirkpatrick Street to Diamond Street, traffic is already reduced to a single lane traveling in the left (south) lane up to Pride Street using a concrete barrier, and the single lane is now extended to Diamond Street using channelizers.

Milling operations have been completed on this stretch of road. Contractors will now begin concrete patching of the road and raising manholes and water box lids to grade. Final paving will be completed by the end of June.

Further up Fifth Avenue – from Craft Avenue to Kirkpatrick Street – traffic is also reduced to a single through lane, with a second lane designated for turns onto the Birmingham Bridge. Construction has also moved to the south side of the street as crews begin sidewalk and roadway reconstruction in that section.

Road restoration on Fifth Avenue in Oakland between Bellefield Avenue and Craft Avenue wrapped up earlier this month. Traffic has now shifted to the right, with three lanes remaining open while the two left lanes – including the former counterflow lane – are closed. This will allow crews to rebuild the roadway and sidewalks and prepare for the future two-way bike lane. ​

Throughout the construction corridor, access to intersections and local businesses will be maintained. Parking will remain restricted along both sides of Fifth Avenue within work zones.

Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps.

Several bus stops are temporarily impacted during this phase of construction. Bus stops temporarily removed from service include:

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Seneca Street

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Gist Street

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Van Braam Street

Bus stops relocating to the opposite side of the intersection are:

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Kirkpatrick Street

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Wyandotte Street

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Dinwiddie Street

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Pride Street

Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend work may occur as needed, and all construction activities are weather dependent.

Motorists are advised to observe construction signage and reduce speed through the work zones.

Tree Planting Ramps Up

PRT contractors are working through Uptown and Oakland installing hundreds of new trees.

Almost 300 trees representing 30 different varieties selected for their appearance and hardiness are being planted along with grasses and other decorative plants.

Trees will be watered on a consistent schedule by PRT contractors through the end of the year. Ownership and maintenance of the trees will then be the responsibility of the City of Pittsburgh. Businesses and residents are encouraged to partner with the City in caring for the trees to ensure long term health.

Should a tree fail to survive, they will remain under warranty for two years and will be replaced by the contractor.

The tree planting will continue through the end of September at which time the bioswales/above ground stormwater retention ponds plants will be installed.

Sidewalk Work Wrapping Up in Oakland

PRT contractors are wrapping up sidewalk restoration activities in Oakland in preparation for the installation of station shelters.

Contractors will complete sidewalk work on Forbes Avenue and Bouquet Street in front of the Barco Law Building this week. Demolition work has been completed and the concrete pour for final sidewalk restoration at Forbes Avenue and McKee Place is scheduled to take place by the end of next week.

On Fifth Avenue and Darragh Street, installation of new ADA ramps and ​ will finish this week.

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.