Kirkpatrick Street Improvements Nearing Completion

Kirkpatrick Street Improvements Nearing Completion

PRT contractors opened Kirkpatrick Street for motorists today following installation of the new roadway surface as part of the road realignment with the Birmingham Bridge. Crews will apply the final topcoat on the roadway in June in conjunction with final road restoration of Fifth Avenue between Craft Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street.

While new curbs have been placed on Kirkpatrick Street between Fifth Avenue and Beelen Street, contractors continue to install new sidewalks on both sides of the road.

Other construction activities at the intersection include ​ restoration, new curbs and sidewalk on the north side (facing downtown) of Fifth Avenue, installation of new traffic signals and pedestrian safety signals, and pouring the concrete slab for the future PRTX bus station. Flaggers are on-site to assist motorists and pedestrians through the work zone.

The ​ permitted parking lot adjacent to Kirkpatrick Street is slated to open next week.

Roadwork Restoration Continues on Fifth Avenue

Roadway reconstruction along Fifth Avenue in the future bus-only lane from Bellefield Avenue to Kirkpatrick Street continues throughout the entire work zone. The road is expected to be restored from Bellefield to Craft ​ by the end of April while milling and paving from Craft Avenue to Kirkpatrick Street will begin in early May.

Construction activities include milling, patching, and paving the roadway. New ​ will be installed nearest to the future PRTX Stations while other sections will be milled and paved.

In addition to the road work, contractors continue installation of new sidewalks, curbs, and ADA-accessible ramps.

PRT will make every effort to maintain bus stops along Fifth and Forbes . However, some bus stops may be temporarily taken out of service or relocated to accommodate construction activities. Next week, temporary closure of bus stops along Fifth Avenue between Bellefield to Craft ​ will occur between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather dependent, to allow for paving operations.

Sidewalk restoration was recently completed in front of the Atwood Station on Fifth Avenue, allowing bus riders to board and exit buses at the curb in front of the station. Overnight paving will occur next week with final sidewalk restoration past the Atwood Station to be completed in early May.

Intersections along with pedestrian and business access will be maintained throughout the construction zone. Flaggers will help direct traffic.

Street parking will be suspended on both sides of the roadway within the work zone.

Contractors will return late summer to apply the red coloring to the bus-only lane.

Tree Planting Has Begun

You may have noticed more trees than usual along Forbes and Fifth avenues as crews have begun the tree planting initiative aimed at enhancing the corridor along the University Line.

Almost 300 trees will be planted representing over 20 different species carefully selected for their appearance, growth rate, and hardiness to Pittsburgh’s weather conditions.

The trees will also provide ecological benefits including shade canopy, collecting and filtering stormwater runoff, and providing shelter for birds. These combined benefits will provide long term value to the Uptown and Oakland neighborhoods.

The tree planting includes installing the trees above a soil and stone base to ensure proper drainage and then placing mulch or a flexible porous paving around the base to support long term tree health. This will allow water to better reach tree roots while still maintaining durable walkways. In addition to the trees, ornamental grass and shrubs will be planted to create more public green spaces.

The City of Pittsburgh will be installing tree protection zone signage. These markers will inform community members about designated protected areas and encourage care for the newly planted greenery.

Tree Pittsburgh partnered with PRT on this initiative to help ensure that the selected tree species are well suited to thrive in an urban environment. Several existing trees will remain in place as they are healthy and well established in their location.

Sidewalk Demolition, Utility Relocation and Final Restoration Continues

Contractors are progressing on the demolition, utility relocation, and final restoration of sidewalks and curbs throughout Forbes and Fifth ​ in Uptown.

The active work zones extend on Forbes Avenue from Boyd Street to Jumonville Street and on Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick Street to Pride Street. Ultimately, five new PRTX stations will be located on Forbes Avenue and five stations on Fifth Avenue in Uptown.

Sidewalks on Forbes Avenue between Seneca and Moultrie streets as well as Jumonville to Gist streets are now in the final stages of restoration and are expected to be completed soon.

Contractors continue to install new concrete sidewalks and curbs, place , install future station slabs, and run electrical .

All sidewalks along the north side of Fifth Avenue in Oakland are expected to be fully open by the beginning of May.

It is important to note that while the University Line project has numerous construction sites along Fifth Avenue in Uptown, there are several other construction projects not associated with PRT that may impact traffic flow or pedestrian sidewalk access.

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and an occasional Sunday, weather dependent.

Parking has been suspended on both sides of Forbes Avenue between Boyd and Brady streets and on Fifth Avenue from Bellefield Avenue to Washington Place. Access to businesses, parking lots, garages, side streets, and intersections will remain open. Pedestrian access will be maintained with temporary crosswalks and accessible ramps.

Map of 24 PRTX stations along the University Line corridor

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.