Construction to Impact Traffic Patterns Along Fifth and Forbes Avenues

The current phase of road work and sidewalk installation for the University Line project will impact traffic patterns and street parking in Oakland and Uptown through the end of April 2026.

PRT contractors placed new roadway paint and replaced most of the concrete barriers with channelizing barriers in the work zones. Construction activity will impact traffic on Fifth Avenue between Bellefield Avenue and Robinson Street, Fifth Avenue between Robinson and Wyandotte streets, and Forbes Avenue between Jumonville Street and the Birmingham Bridge.

Construction activities include milling, patching, and paving the roadway while continuing installation of new sidewalks, curbs, and accessible ramps.

Intersections and pedestrian and business access will be maintained throughout the work zones, with flaggers helping direct traffic. ​

PRT will make every effort to maintain bus stops along Fifth and Forbes avenues. However, some bus stops may be temporarily taken out of service or relocated to accommodate construction activities. ​

Traffic Impacts in Oakland

Traffic on Fifth Avenue in Oakland is shifted to the south (left) curb while construction takes place in the three north (right) travel lanes. A third travel lane will be available between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.

To maintain the travel lanes in this section of the corridor, drivers are permitted and encouraged to use the former counterflow bus lane to travel inbound toward Downtown through the end of April.

Traffic Impacts in Uptown

Traffic on Fifth Avenue in Uptown will be reduced to one inbound travel lane, with an additional left-turn lane at Birmingham Bridge. ​

Traffic on Forbes Avenue in Uptown will be reduced to one outbound travel lane during work hours. Two travel lanes will be restored after work hours. ​

Street parking will be suspended on both sides of Fifth and Forbes avenues in the work zone.

Bus stops will remain in service but may be shifted up to 100 feet forward or backward to accommodate construction.

Traffic Signal Poles Have Arrived

Installation of traffic signal poles and pedestrian safety signal poles is underway throughout the University Line corridor of Fifth and Forbes avenues.

When construction for the University Line is complete, 42 intersections will be modernized with new traffic signals and pedestrian safety systems.

Sidewalk Demolition and Restoration Continues in Uptown

PRT contractors are visible at numerous locations throughout Forbes and Fifth avenues in Uptown performing sidewalk demolition, utility relocation, and restoration.

The active work zones extend on Forbes Avenue from Pride to Jumonville streets and on Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick Street to Washington Place. ​ Ultimately, five new PRTX stations will be located on Forbes Avenue and five stations on Fifth Avenue in Uptown.

Last week, contractors installed new concrete sidewalks and curbs, placed framework station slabs and ran electrical conduits at multiple locations along Fifth and Forbes avenues.

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, weather dependent, through the end of March 2026.

PRT Launches University Line Engage Page

PRT has launched an intuitive web page about the University Line that shares information on project planning, implementation and interactive views of the final design and so much more.

Complementing the project’s background is information on funding sources, FAQs, and a document library. Construction progress for Phase II is updated quarterly, providing site visitors with a quick glimpse of the project status.

The interactive map depicts final conditions of the road including red bus lanes, bicycle infrastructure, and future station locations. For more information, visit https://engage.rideprt.org/brt.

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.