PRT Coordinates Construction Activity with Commercial Street Bridge Detour

PRT Coordinates Construction Activity with Commercial Street Bridge Detour

PRT is coordinating closely with both the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) and PennDOT in preparation for the Commercial Street Bridge detour.

While construction for the University Line will continue in Uptown and in the former counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue in Oakland, PRT will only perform station work on Forbes Avenue in Oakland and will also maintain three travel lanes on Fifth Avenue in Oakland. Station installation is mostly done on the sidewalk, but there may be temporary lane closures in small sections to accommodate a work vehicle.

PRT will continue to work with DOMI and PennDOT throughout the Commercial Street Bridge closure. Motorists are reminded to follow posted signage, reduce speeds, and exercise caution.

Construction Continues at the Boulevard of Allies On-Ramp Intersection

Construction continues along Fifth Avenue in Oakland near the Boulevard of the Allies ​ as crews replace existing sidewalks and curbs with new concrete sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

The Boulevard of the Allies ​ remains open to motorists, though the traffic pattern has shifted slightly to the right to allow crews to work safely on both sides of the ramp. Drivers traveling toward Uptown will continue straight in a single lane of traffic on Fifth Avenue.

A stop sign has been installed at the bottom of Robinson Street to allow safe entrance onto Fifth Avenue.

Construction crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, weather permitting. Construction activities at the on-ramp intersection are expected to wrap up before the Commercial Street Bridge closure which begins on July 10.

Construction crews pour concrete to build new sidewalks at Forbes Avenue and Pride Street

Sidewalk Construction and Restoration Ongoing on Forbes and Fifth Avenues

PRT contractors are working to complete sidewalk restoration activities on the south side of Forbes Avenue and the north side of Fifth Avenue in Uptown. Sidewalk work encompasses many activities including:

In July, sidewalk improvements will start on the south side of Fifth Avenue in Uptown from Kirkpatrick Street to Diamond Street.

Sidewalk restoration activity is currently taking place on the north side of Forbes Avenue ​ Seneca Street. ​ Sidewalk construction activities are expected to ramp up on the north side of Forbes Avenue starting in September.

Throughout the construction corridor, access to intersections and local businesses will be . Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps or open sidewalks across from the active construction zones.

Paving Scheduled for Fifth Avenue in Uptown

Contractors will begin paving the future bus-only lane on Fifth Avenue in Uptown next week as construction continues on the University Line project.

Beginning this Monday, contractors will mill and pave the right lane of Fifth Avenue between Kirkpatrick Street at the Birmingham Bridge to Diamond Street.

The work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed by Friday, July 11, weather permitting.

Bus stops along the corridor will remain open whenever possible. However, individual bus stops may be temporarily closed as crews move through the work zone. Staff will be on site to direct riders to the nearest available stop if a temporary closure is necessary.

Motorists should expect Fifth Avenue to remain reduced to a single lane. Access to side streets may also close periodically to allow crews to move equipment and materials through the construction zone. Flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic.

To accommodate active work zones and maintain a travel lane through the corridor, on-street parking will continue to be suspended on both sides of Fifth Avenue.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to slow down, use caution, and watch for changing traffic patterns.

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.