Construction Underway at Two New Work Zones in Uptown

Construction Underway at Two New Work Zones in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues work within two new work sites in Uptown. Work within the first zone, located on Forbes Avenue between Jumonville and Brady streets, began on September 22. Work within the second construction zone, located on Fifth Avenue between Pride and Jumonville streets, began on September 23. ​ 

Construction activities at both locations include removing and replacing the existing sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps along this corridor. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution and follow signs as once work is completed on one side of the road, contractors will then move to the opposite side. Access to all ​ businesses will remain open while work progresses on both Forbes and Fifth avenues.

Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts:

On Forbes Avenue, Gist to Brady streets: 

The sidewalk on the south side of Forbes Avenue is closed, and pedestrians may use the crosswalks and sidewalk on the north side of the road. ​ ​ 

This phase of construction is expected to continue through the end of the year. ​ 

On Fifth Avenue, Pride to Jumonville streets: 

The sidewalks on the north side of Fifth Avenue are closed, and pedestrians may use the crosswalks and sidewalk on the south side of the road. ​ ​ 

This phase of construction is expected to continue through the end of the year. ​ 

Installation of Green Infrastructure Continues in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to install green infrastructure on Forbes Avenue at Jumonville Street in Uptown.

Ultimately, green infrastructure (GI) will be installed at 18 locations as part of the University Line Project. Thirteen locations will have underground GI storage trenches which will not be visible once construction is complete. Five locations will have bioswales, commonly known as rain gardens, with both underground infrastructure and visable 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.

In 2026, 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.

Construction Resumes Near Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

PRT’s contractor recently returned to Fifth Avenue in front of Soilders and Sailors Memorial Hall after the gas company relocated a gas line to accommodate the future PRTX station.

Contractors will excavate, relocate utilities, run conduit for station power and pour a concrete pad to support the new PRTX shelter. Additionally, new sidewalk, curb and ​ accessible ramps will be installed.

Multiple sections of the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue between North Bellefield Avenue and Chesterfield Road have re-opened for pedestrians, including:

Contractors continue to excavate, relocate utilities, and run conduit for station power at several locations along Fifth Avenue.This phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. ​ 

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

Additionally, the current contraflow bus lane on the south side of Fifth Avenue will be removed and replaced with a two-way bicycle track. 

Retaining Wall Installation continues at Fifth Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street

PRT’s contractor is building retaining walls for the future residential parking lot at Fifth Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street.

The lot is being constructed for residents along Fifth Avenue, as street parking on the north side of Fifth Avenue will be permanently removed to accommodate the future bus lane. When complete, this parking lot will only be available for use by residents who live in the dedicated parking zone and acquire the required parking permit to park within that zone.

This lot will be completed before street parking is removed from the north side of the 2300 block of Fifth Avenue.

PRT Leadership Toured Downtown University Line Stations

Members of the PRT Board of Directors, the Executive Director and senior leadership team got a first-hand look at the completed Downtown Loop of the PRTX University Line.

This nearly $300 million project, which has been more than 10 years in the making, will better connect the Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland neighborhoods and is split into two phases. Construction on the first phase wrapped up at the end of July.

Chief Development Officer Amy Silbermann led a tour of two of the new PRTX stations to point out the many new amenities that are now fully operational including real-time arrival screens, security cameras, and emergency phones. Chief Engineer Greg O’Hare and CEO Katharine Kelleman shared additional project details along with our engineering team in explaining how the project progressed through construction.

Board members Jennifer Liptak, Tom Burgunder, Bobbie Fan, and Stephanie Turman also learned the installation process for the red bus lanes. Also highlighted on the tour was one of the NEXTransit Downtown bus boarding platforms placed at bus stops with high ridership to provide more sidewalk space.

The Board members were proud to see how the completion of Phase 1 is already enhancing the experience for riders. 

Construction on Phase 2 in Uptown and Oakland is ongoing and is expected to wrap up in 2027. 

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.