Pedestrian Islands Removed and New Work Zone Established on Fifth Avenue

Pedestrian Islands Removed and New Work Zone Established on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

PRT’s contractor established a new work zone along Fifth Avenue between Chesterfield Road and Bellefield Avenue in Oakland. This work zone marks the beginning of construction for four new PRTX Stations and upgrades to the existing Atwood Station.

Before mobilizing the new work zone, two concrete islands were removed from Fifth Avenue at Bellfield Avenue to help ease traffic congestion during construction. The contraflow bus lane and railing along Fifth Avenue will remain in place through Fall 2025. 

Future PRTX Stations that will be located within the new work zone are:

This phase of construction includes excavation and utility relocation, installation of new sidewalks, curbs, ADA-accessible ramps, and placing underground conduit for station power, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts During Construction: 

To accommodate construction along Fifth Avenue, one travel lane, one parking lane, and a portion of the sidewalk on the north side of Fifth Avenue are restricted. Vehicle access to intersections and side streets remain open, though traffic is shifted toward the south side of Fifth Avenue.

Pedestrian access is being maintained on both sides of Fifth Avenue except for a small area at Fifth Avenue and Chesterfield Road. Temporary crosswalks will be added where needed. 

The majority of the existing bus stops within the new work zone will remain available to accommodate riders. Some stops may be moved a few feet to the left or right of the existing stop depending on the work to be performed. Two stops – Fifth Avenue at Thackery and Fifth Avenue at University Place - will be combined into one new temporary stop mid-block between the existing stops.

This phase of construction on Fifth Avenue is expected to be completed in Fall 2025.

Construction Fencing has been Reduced Along Forbes Avenue in Oakland

PRT’s contractor is wrapping up this phase of construction on Forbes Avenue in Oakland. As work is completed, the contractor will reduce the size of the construction fencing, which has already occurred at the following locations:

A long narrow fence will remain at each location providing a safety barrier between pedestrians and underground electrical conduit recently placed in the sidewalk.

The construction fencing at Forbes Avenue and Halket Street and Forbes Avenue at Schenley Drive is expected to remain in place for a few additional weeks while the remaining work is completed.

PRT’s contractor will return to pave the roadway in future phases.

Electrical Infrastructure Work to Continue on Fifth Avenue in Oakland

PRT’s electrical subcontractor will continue to place underground electrical conduit along Fifth Avenue in Oakland to supply power to the future PRTX stations.

Crews will be working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fifth Avenue between Chesterfield Road and Bellefield Avenue.

To accommodate this work, one travel lane, and the sidewalk adjacent to the work area may be closed. Traffic restrictions will be removed by 5 p.m. each evening.

Work areas will be covered with steel plates during the day. Work is expected to take two to three weeks.

Catch Basin Replacements to Continue in Uptown

PRT’s contractor is replacing drainage infrastructure in Uptown. Crews are working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to replace several catch basins on Fifth Avenue between Diamond and Wyandotte streets.

This work will require a partial lane closure providing access to the manhole and/or catch basin on or near the curb. Traffic restrictions will change as work progresses and moves from side to side within the zone. Traffic restrictions will be removed each night.

Glass Panel Installation is Underway at Downtown University Line Shelters

PRT’s contractor began installation of glass wind panels at five new PRTX Bus shelters in Downtown Pittsburgh. Next week, they will begin installing benches for riders waiting at the station.

PRTX Stations will have upgraded amenities including seating, lighting, next bus arrival screens, emergency phones, and security cameras. Additionally, fare vending machines will be installed at a later date.

PRT plans to open the new PRTX Stations before the end of the summer.

The University Line Corridor

When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be 24 PRTX stations throughout Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland.

PRTX stations will have new shelters with upgraded amenities including next bus arrival screens, fare vending machines, seating, lighting, emergency phones, and security cameras.

To learn more about each of the current construction locations, please visit the University Line Newshub at prt-brt-newshub.prezly.com/

Thank you for your continued support of this project.

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For general project updates, please visit: www.rideprt.org/brt ​ 

Questions or concerns? ​ 412-442-2000 / BRT@Rideprt.org