Enforcement of Downtown Bus Lanes Begins July 20th

Enforcement of Downtown Bus Lanes Begins Sunday

Drivers are reminded that enforcement of the newly designated red bus lanes downtown will begin on Sunday, July 20.

Port Authority Police have been issuing verbal warnings since the lanes were installed last month. According to Pennsylvania law, drivers using bus only lanes may be issued a citation of $25 with associated fees that will bring the total cost to nearly $200.

Motorists are advised that private vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering, stopping, or parking in the red bus lanes, even for brief pickups, drop-offs, or deliveries. Bicycles are not permitted in the red bus lanes. Cyclists are encouraged to use the dedicated bicycle infrastructure downtown.

These dedicated bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses and emergency vehicles and are clearly marked to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of public transit. Drivers should pay close attention to street signage and lane markings to avoid violations.

Electrical Systems Testing Underway at Downtown PRTX Stations

Electricity is now flowing to the five new PRTX bus stations in Downtown Pittsburgh to provide power to the next bus arrival screens, fare vending machines, lighting, emergency phones and security cameras.

Over the next two weeks, contractors will test systems at each station to ensure all components are functioning properly. Electrical conduits are already in place for the next bus arrival screens and fare vending machines, which will be installed at a later date.

Downtown PRTX stations are expected to open by the end of summer 2025.

Sidewalk Demolition to Continue on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

Sidewalk demolition is underway at several locations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Future PRTX stations within the work zone are:

Pedestrian access is being maintained on both sides of Fifth Avenue except for a small area at Fifth Avenue and Chesterfield Road.

The majority of bus stops within the new work zone remain available to accommodate riders, but may be moved a few feet to the left or right of the existing stop. Two bus stops – Fifth Avenue at Thackery and Fifth Avenue at University Place -- will be combined into one new temporary stop between the existing stops.

This phase of construction on Fifth Avenue is expected to be completed in fall 2025.

New Sidewalk Installed at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place

PRT’s contractor recently finished excavation, utility relocation and installation of new sidewalk, curb and accessable ramps at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place.

Nearby, the concrete traffic island between Fifth Avenue and Washington Place is being replaced along with a storm drain. Construction of the traffic island is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Future phases of work will incude final restoration of the roadway, installation of the bus stations and the red bus lane. 

When construction is complete, Washington Place PRTX Station will have a 30-foot bus shelter with transit amenities.

Utility Relocation to Continue in Uptown and Oakland

PRT’s contractor is relocating water and drainage infrastructure in Uptown and Oakalnd. Crews are working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to relocate several catch basins and fire hydrants.

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 the work progresses and moves from side to side within the zone. Lane restrictions will be removed each night.

The University Line Corridor

When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be 24 PRTX stations throughout Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland.

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.