Major traffic changes take Effect in Oakland

January 9, 2026

*PRT’s staff helping riders navigate service changes in Oakland*

Major Traffic Changes Take Effect in Oakland

The counterflow bus lane on Fifth Avenue stretching from Craft Avenue to Bellefield Avenue in Oakland was permanently removed from service on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Summary of changes:

17 outbound bus stops along the Fifth Avenue bus lane were eliminated.
9 bus routes - 54, 61D, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, 75, 93, and P3 – that previously served the counterflow bus lane on Fifth Avenue now serve existing stops on Forbes Avenue. For more detailed routing information, please visit www.rideprt.org.
Outbound buses on Forbes Avenue travel with mixed traffic until a bus-only lane is established late in 2026.

PRT will continue to have staff at select bus stops along Fifth Avenue to help riders navigate the changes.

In future phases of construction, a protected two-directional bicycle lane will be installed along Fifth Avenue where the counterflow bus lane is currently located, and a dedicated bus-only lane will be installed on Fifth and Forbes avenues through Uptown and Oakland.

The routing changes will be incorporated into PRT’s regularly scheduled service changes in February.

Riders with questions are encouraged to call PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or visit Rideprt.org

*Excavation was recently performed at Fifth and Lytton avenues*

Construction Activities Continue on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

PRT’s contractor continues to install new sidewalk and curbs at multiple locations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Construction activities include excavating, relocating utilities, running conduit for station power, and replacing the existing sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps.

In future phases, PRT will install five new PRTX Stations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland with transit amenities, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

*Excavation recently started at Forbes Avenue and Gist Street in Uptown*

New Work Zone Recently Established in Uptown

On Monday December 22, the University Line construction in Uptown expanded along Forbes Avenue between Stevenson and Jumonville streets. Ultimately, three new PRTX stations will be located within the work zone.

PRT contractors are relocating water and sewer infrastructure, and installing new expanded sidewalks and curbs with accessible ramps. Additionally, crews are running conduit for station power and pedestrian safety systems. When construction is complete, new sidewalks will be installed along nearly the entire length of Fifth and Forbes avenues in Uptown.

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through the end of March 2026. Work may also be performed on Saturdays as needed.

Parking has been suspended on both sides of Forbes Avenue between Stevenson and Jumonville streets. Side streets and intersections will remain open. Pedestrian access will be maintained with temporary crosswalks and accessible ramps.

While contractors will make every effort to maintain the existing bus stops, there may be occasions when a stop is not accessible due to construction activities.

In future phases, PRT will install PRTX stations with upgraded passenger amenities, bus lanes, resurfaced roadways, landscaping, and green infrastructure.

For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.

Major traffic changes take Effect in Oakland