Extensive Road Restoration Begins in Uptown

Extensive Road Restoration Begins in Uptown

New traffic patterns were initiated May 5 along Fifth Avenue in Uptown as contractors prepare for the milling, patching and paving of the roadway.

From Kirkpatrick Street to Diamond Street, traffic is already reduced to a single lane traveling in the left (south) lane up to Pride Street using concrete barrier and the single lane will now be extended to Diamond Street using channelizers.

Milling operations took place last evening and will be completed tonight from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Contractors will then begin concrete patching of the road, and raising manholes and water box lids to grade. Final paving will be completed by the end of June.

Further up Fifth Avenue – from Craft Avenue to Kirkpatrick Street – traffic will also be reduced to a single through lane, with a second lane designated for turns onto the Birmingham Bridge. At the same time, construction will move to the south side of the street as crews begin sidewalk and roadway reconstruction in that section.

Road restoration on Fifth Avenue in Oakland between Bellefield Avenue and Craft Avenue wrapped up on May 5. Traffic has now shifted to the right, with three lanes remaining open while the two left lanes – including the former counterflow lane – are closed. This will allow crews to rebuild the roadway and sidewalks and prepare for the future two-way bike lane. ​

Throughout the construction corridor, access to intersections and local businesses will be maintained. Parking will remain restricted along both sides of Fifth Avenue within work zones.

Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps.

Beginning May 5, several bus stops will be temporarily impacted. Bus stops to be temporarily removed from service include:

Bus stops relocating to the opposite side of the intersection are:

Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend work may occur as needed, and all construction activities are weather dependent.

Motorists are advised to observe construction signage and reduce speed through the work zones.

Sidewalk Demolition, Utility Relocation, and Restoration Ongoing in Uptown and Oakland

Various phases of sidewalk work including demolition, utility upgrades and relocation, final restoration, and accessibility upgrades are occurring throughout Fifth and Forbes ​ in Uptown.

In Oakland, work is being performed at Forbes Avenue and McKee, and Fifth Avenue at Darragh and Bouquet streets.

Construction crews will also pour new bus station slabs when installing new concrete sidewalks and curbs.

When work is being performed on sidewalks, pedestrian access is provided through secure barriers or on the opposite side of the road. Access to all businesses, parking nd intersections will be provided during construction activities.

New sidewalks and curbs will be installed along nearly the entire length of Fifth and Forbes avenues as part of the University Line project.

Installation of Trees, Light Poles, and Signals Continues

PRT contractors are working through Uptown and Oakland installing new lighting, traffic signals, and trees.

The new lighting consists of shorter decorative poles and larger light poles. Both styles have LED lighting which is brighter and more cost effective to operate.

New traffic signals will be installed at 36 Intersections while pedestrian safety signals will be installed on all four corners at 42 intersections.

Almost 300 trees representing 30 different varieties selected for their appearance and hardiness are being planted along with grasses and other decorative plants. Plants for the bioswales/above ground stormwater retention ponds will be installed later in the fall.

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.