Granite Curbs Placed on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

Granite Curbs Placed on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

Last week, PRT’s contractor installed granite curb along Fifth Avenue between Lothrop and Darragh Streets. The granite curbs are custom fabricated to fit the location of the installation.

Prior to the granite installation, crews placed a new concrete footer to suppport the curb. Crews will now prepare to place new sidewalk and accessible ramps in this area.

The sidewalk remains open behind the work site. Construction fencing in this area is expected to remain in place until the end of the year.

Station Slab Installation Started at Fifth Avenue and University Place

Construction in front of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall on Fifth Avenue is progressing as the PRT contractor is preparing to pour a concrete slab for the new PRTX station.

Contractors constructed wood frames and placed steel rebar to reinforce concrete for the station slab. After the slab has been poured, crews will then prepare to place new concrete sidewalk, curbs and accessible ramps.

The current phase of construction is expected to be completed by winter.

Future phases of construction include installation of traffic signals and pedestrian safety systems, PRTX stations with transit amenities, and red bus lanes.

Green Infrastructure Installation Continues in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to install green infrastructure systems throughout Uptown. The most recent green infrastructure (GI) construction site is at Forbes Avenue and Miltenberger Street. This location will be an underground storage trench.

Ultimately, (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.

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.

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.