Construction Shifts to South Side of Fifth Avenue Near the Birmingham Bridge
August 21, 2026
.jpg "New sidewalks and roadway on Fifth Avenue between Kirkpatrick and Wyandotte Streets")
PRT contractors today will switch construction activities to the south side of Fifth Avenue between Kirkpatrick Street at the Birmingham Bridge and Wyandotte Street. Sidewalk and roadway construction activities were recently completed on the opposite side of the road.
Motorists will now travel Fifth Avenue from Oakland in a single lane on the newly paved roadway from the Boulevard of the Allies on-ramp all the way to Diamond Street near Downtown.
Constructions activities are now focused along the south side of Fifth Avenue, also stretching from the Boulevard of Allies on-ramp to Diamond Street. Crews are conducting sidewalk demolition along with utility relocation and improvements from Diamond Street to Kirkpatrick Street. Further up Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick Street to Craft Avenue, crews are progressing with installation of new sidewalks and curbs following utility work.
Parking remains suspended on both sides of Fifth Avenue.
Access to businesses and intersections will be maintained, and pedestrians will continue to have access through temporary walkways, ADA-accessible ramps, or sidewalks on the opposite side of active work zones.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down, use caution, and watch for changing traffic patterns throughout the construction zones.
Crosswalks and Signage Placed on Red Bus Lanes in Oakland
.jpg "White lettering recently placed on the red bus lane on Forbes Avenue in Oakland")
Contractors returned to Forbes Avenue this week to place the permanent pavement markings along the red bus lane.
The white markings include lane striping, crosswalks, directional arrows, and bus only lettering. The same markings will be installed on the red bus lane on Fifth Avenue next week.
There are also signs throughout the corridor directing motorists that the lane is for buses only except for right turns onto side streets. Private vehicles may enter the bus lane wherever they see red stripes to make a right turn.
Only public transit vehicles will be permitted to use the lanes; bicycles, parking, loading, and unloading are not permitted.
Similar to the transit-only lanes in Downtown Pittsburgh, there will be a 30-day period during which time motorists will receive a warning for any unpermitted use of the bus lane. After the initial 30-day period, motorists will be issued a ticket for traveling or stopping in the bus lane.
Shelter Installation Continues
.jpg "Contractors place glass in the new West Oakland PRTX Station located on Forbes Avenue at Bouquet Street")
Shelter frames and components continue to be installed throughout the University Line in Oakland and Uptown.
At both the West Oakland Station located at Forbes Avenue past Craft Avenue, and Central Oakland Station located in front of the Barco Law Building on Forbes Avenue and S. Bouquet Street, crews are currently installing bike racks, roof glass, wind screens, light fixtures, security cameras, and emergency phones. Electricians are installing conduits for station power to feed the next bus arrival screens, lighting, and emergency phones.
The six Uptown shelters now have lighting and gutter assemblies installed. Glass is scheduled to be installed next week and electricians have begun installing conduits and wiring for the security cameras, emergency phones and next bus arrival screens.
The Uptown Stations installed are:
- SoHo Station at Forbes Avenue and Moultrie Street
- Jumonville Station at Forbes Avenue and Jumonville Street
- SoHo Station at Fifth Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street
- Uptown Central Station at Fifth Avenue and Dinwiddie Steet
- Uptown West Station at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place
- Jumonville Station at Fifth Avenue and Wyandotte Street.
The next three stations scheduled for installation are:
- Uptown West Station at Forbes Avenue and McAnulty Street near Duquesne University
- Pride Station at Forbes Avenue and Pride Street
- Bigelow Station at Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive
By the end of the year, a total of 19 new PRTX stations will be installed at both inbound and outbound bus stops along the University Line corridor. While construction is underway, riders must continue using the existing bus stops until the new shelters are fully completed and open for service.
The University Line Corridor
.png "Map of 24 PRTX stations along 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.
Thank you for your continued support of this project.