Construction to Impact Boulevard of the Allies

Temporary traffic pattern changes went into effect today while PRT contractors complete sidewalk restoration and safety improvements on both sides of the Boulevard of the Allies ​ along Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Fifth Avenue between Craft Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street will be reduced to a single lane from Craft Avenue in Oakland to Kirkpatrick Street in Uptown. PRT expects to reopen two travel lanes when the work is completed on July 9.

To facilitate access to the on-ramp, contractors removed a portion of the concrete median that divided the two travel lanes. Flaggers will be on-site during working hours to direct traffic.

As part of the work, the existing yield condition for vehicles entering Fifth Avenue from Robinson Street is replaced with a stop sign.

The work is scheduled to be completed prior to the Commercial Street detour beginning July 10.

During the Commercial Street detour, PRT will temporarily suspend construction activity on Forbes Avenue in Oakland and maintain three travel lanes on Fifth Avenue between Bellefield Street and Craft Avenue. Motorists are reminded to follow posted signage, reduce speeds, and exercise caution.

Work Continues in Former Counterflow Lane

Sidewalk and roadway construction continues along the former counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

While paving of the future bi-directional bike lane stretching from Bellefield to Craft avenues will be completed later this year, the lane itself is scheduled to be available for use early next year. Once finished, bicyclists will be able to use this lane to travel both inbound and outbound.

In addition to roadway improvements, crews are also installing new sidewalks, curbs, and ADA-accessible curb ramps along the south side of Fifth Avenue. These enhancements will help to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety.

While some sections of sidewalk are currently restricted, access will be maintained to all intersections and businesses along the south side of Fifth Avenue throughout the work zones with flaggers on site to help direct traffic and pedestrian crossings.

Sidewalk and Road Construction Ongoing in Uptown

PRT contractors are in the final stages of sidewalk improvements along the south side of Forbes Avenue and the north side of Fifth Avenue in Uptown. This work consists of sidewalk demolition, utility relocation, drainage improvements, installing new curbs, installing conduit to power station amenities, placing new lighting and traffic signals, and pouring concrete for station slabs and final sidewalk restoration.

Concrete road patching on Washington Place coming down from Centre Avenue to Fifth Avenue will require the closing of both lanes around the clock starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24. ​ ​ The work is expected to wrap ​ and the road reopened by 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. ​ Access to the Marriott City Center hotel and parking garage will be maintained.

Milling and paving on the north side of Fifth Avenue is scheduled to begin July 29 and last about two weeks, weather permitting. Paving will occur overnight between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Most bus stops along Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick to Diamond Street will continue to be maintained with on-street boarding as buses are unable to pull up to the sidewalk. Stops at Fifth Avenue and Seneca, and Gist and Van Braam streets will continue to be out of service. Bus stops at Dinwiddie and Pride are relocated to the opposite side of the intersection. The bus stops at Kirkpatrick Street and Wyandotte Street have returned to their original location.

Bus stop information can be found at rideprt.org, PRT’s Ready2Ride app or by calling customer service at 412-442-4000.

In July, contractors will start milling, patching, and paving operations on the south side of Forbes Avenue to rebuild the roadway from Boyd Street to Brady Street at the Birmingham Bridge in preparation for the future bus lane.

Also in July, sidewalk improvements and future road restoration will flip to the south side of Fifth Avenue. Motorists will travel in a single lane on the newly paved roadway from Kirkpatrick Street to Diamond Street.

To accommodate active work zones and maintain a travel lane through the corridor, on-street parking will continue to be suspended on both sides of Forbes and Fifth .

Throughout the construction corridor, access to intersections and local businesses will be maintained. Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through either temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps or open sidewalks across from the active construction zones.

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.