Construction Underway in Two New Work Zones in Uptown

Construction Underway in Two New Work Zones in Uptown

PRT’s contractor established 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 excavating, relocating utilities, running conduit for station power, and replacing the existing sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps.

Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts:

On Forbes Avenue, Gist to Brady streets: 

The sidewalk on the south side of Forbes Avenue will be closed, and pedestrians will be able to use the crosswalks and sidewalks 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 will be closed, and pedestrians will be able to use the crosswalks and sidewalks on the south side of the road.

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

Excavation and site preparations for installation of an underground storage trench at Forbes

Avenue and Jumonville Street

Excavation and site preparations for installation of an underground storage trench at Forbes

Avenue and Jumonville Street

Installation of Green Infrastucture Started in Uptown

PRT’s contractor is beginning to install green infrastructure on Fifth Avenue at Jumonville Street and Forbes Avenue at Jumonville Street.

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 with both underground infrastructure and above ground plantings that will be visible.

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.

Utility Relocation Continues in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to relocate drainage infrastructure along both Forbes and Fifth avenues. Stormwater inlet relocations are needed to match the new expanded sidewalk, sidewalk bump outs, and green infrastructure to be installed along Forbes and Fifth avenues in Uptown. ​ ​ ​ 

This work will require a partial lane closure providing access to the manhole and/or catch basin on or near the curb. Traffic restrictions will change as work progresses and moves within the zone. Lane restrictions will be removed each night.

Sidewalk Restoration Continues Along Fifth Avenue

PRT’s contractor recently reopened multiple sections of the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue between North Bellefield Avenue and Chesterfield Road. Crews relocated utilities, expanded sidewalks, and installed new curbs and accessible ramps. Sidewalks have been reopened at the following locations: ​ 

Contractors continue to excavate, relocate utilities, and run conduit for station power at several locations along Fifth Avenue between Tennyson Avenue and Chesterfield Road including Fifth Avenue at University Place as well as Fifth Avenue at Atwood Station. This phase of construction is expected to be completed in Fall 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 signals. ​ 

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

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.