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

The counterflow bus lane on Fifth Avenue stretching from Craft to Bellefield avenues in Oakland will permanently be removed from service as early as 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 as early as 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.During the test period, some street parking will be temporarily restricted on both sides of Seneca Street between Fifth and Forbes avenues in order to allow buses to turn. This street parking will be replaced after the test period is completed.

Street parking will also be removed from both sides of Fifth and Forbes avenues as additional work zones are mobilized.

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

When construction of the University Line is complete, buses will travel between Downtown, Uptown and Oakland in a dedicated bus lane outbound on Forbes Avenue and inbound on Fifth Avenue. The counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue will be reconfigured as a protected bi-directional bicycle lane.

Safety improvements include new sidewalks and curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, modernized intersections with new traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

More details regarding new routing and stop changes will be announced soon.

Excavation Underway at Atwood Station

PRT’s contractor is continuing 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 placing new sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps.

This phase of construction on the north side of Fifth Avenue is expected to be nearly complete by the end of the year. Crews will have additional remaining work to complete in early 2026.

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

Sidewalk Restoration Continues Along Forbes Avenue in Uptown

PRT’s contractor is continuing to pour new concrete curbs, sidewalks, and accessible ramps on Forbes Avenue between Jumonville and Brady streets. During the cold weather, PRTs contractors follow the American Concrete Institute standards to perform work on sidewalks, curbs, and driveway aprons (the section of driveway that connects the driveway to the street). Ground heaters and thermal construction blankets are used 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.

Utility Work Continues in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to relocate drainage infrastructure along both Forbes and Fifth avenues. Stormwater inlet relocations are needed to match the new expanded sidewalk, sidewalk bump outs, and green infrastructure to be installed along Forbes and Fifth avenues in Uptown. ​ ​ ​ 

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 within the zone. Lane restrictions will be removed each night.

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.