New Work Zone Coming to Uptown Starting December 22

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

PRT contractors will be relocating water and sewer infrastructure, installing new expanded sidewalks and curbs with ADA-accessible ramps, and running electrical lines. New sidewalks will be installed along nearly the entire length of Fifth and 

Forbes avenues in Uptown as part of the project. 

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 will be 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 ADA-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.

Concrete Work Nearly Complete at Schenley Plaza

​PRT’s contractor is wrapping up concrete work on Forbes Avenue between Schenley Drive and Schenley Drive Extension.

Crews have been working in this area for the past several weeks. Work is expected to be completed and construction fencing removed by Saturday, December 20.

In a later phase, the contractor will return to install a new 60-foot PRTX Station with transit amenities, a red bus lane, traffic signals and pedestrian safety systems.

PRT to Retire Fifth Avenue Counterflow Lane; Outbound Buses Will Move to Forbes Avenue

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

To support this change, nine PRT bus routes will be rerouted from the counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue to the future bus lane on Forbes Avenue. Seventeen outbound bus stops will be removed from Fifth Avenue and alternate bus stops will be established on Forbes Avenue. Additionally, buses will no longer be able to use the turnaround at Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street.

Beginning January 4, there will be a 37-day test period to allow for minor adjustments to bus detours. Construction will not begin on the south side of Fifth Avenue until the test period is completed.

Also beginning on January 4, street parking will be restricted on both sides of Seneca Street between Fifth and Forbes avenues in order to allow buses to turn.

Following completion of the test period, these routing changes will become permanent with PRT’s February service changes.

Sidewalk Restoration Nearly Complete Along Forbes Avenue in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to pour new concrete curbs, sidewalks, and accessible ramps on Forbes Avenue between Jumonville and Brady streets and from Seneca to Moultrie streets.

During the cold weather, contractors use construction blankets and ground heaters to maintain the required temperature before and after concrete is poured.

While the south side of Forbes Avenue is closed, pedestrians are able to use the crosswalks on the north side of the road.

This phase of construction is expected to continue through the end of the year.

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.