PRT’s University Line Construction Getting Out of the Way

PRT continues to coordinate 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, construction in Oakland will be limited to areas that won’t negatively impact traffic flow, including the former counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue and sidewalk station work on Forbes Avenue.

Three travel lanes will be maintained on Fifth Avenue between Bellefield and Craft . Station installation on Forbes will not block any travel lanes.

The counterflow lane has been closed since January 2026 as contractors work on the future bi-directional bike lane. Roadway and sidewalks behind the barrier have been removed, and construction activities to upgrade and replace them are expected to be completed later this year.

Construction Activities to Switch to South Side of Fifth Avenue in Uptown

Contractors will begin to remove the concrete barrier later in the week that currently restricts the north (right) and center lane of Fifth Avenue as construction activities move to the south or left side of the road between Wyandotte and Diamond streets. Once the ​ has been removed, motorists will travel ​ the recently paved right lane while sidewalk restoration begins on the left side.

The concrete barrier will remain in place on the north side of Fifth Avenue between Kirkpatrick and Wyandotte streets as ​ wrap up final sidewalk restoration activities.

Channelizers will block the south and center lanes of Fifth Avenue instead of ​ barriers. A single lane of traffic will be in place during the working hours of 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. During non-work hours, the channelizers will be moved to allow for two lanes of traffic heading towards downtown.

With barriers removed, riders will be able to board buses from the curb.

Just as in past phases, once the sidewalk work on the south side is completed, road restoration construction will take place. Construction activities on the south side of Fifth Avenue are expected to wrap up in early 2027.

Construction activities on the sidewalk will involve similar work that occurred on the north side of Fifth Avenue including sidewalk and curb replacement, installation of pedestrian safety signals and ADA ramps, tree planting, new light poles, and in some blocks, utility relocations.

Parking on both sides of Fifth ​ will continue to be eliminated during construction.

Access to intersections and 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.

When completed, Forbes and Fifth Avenues in Uptown along the University Line will have all new sidewalks, curbs and , pedestrian safety signal systems, lighting, and bus shelters with amenities.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to slow down, use caution, follow posted ​ and be aware of changing traffic patterns.

Paving to Begin on Forbes Avenue in Uptown

Also starting later next week, contractors will begin milling, patching and paving the right and center lane of Forbes Avenue from just before Boyd Street to Jumonville Street. Those lanes continue to be restricted as ​ complete sidewalk restoration activities.

Road work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is expected to be completed by end of August, weather permitting.

Motorists will travel on the north (left) side of the road in a single lane around the clock during this phase of construction.

Bus stops along Forbes Avenue will remain ​ 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. All bus stops will be street level boarding.

Intersections with side streets on the south (right) side of Forbes Avenue 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.

Access to businesses will be maintained. Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps or open sidewalks ​ the active construction zones.

Parking on both sides of Forbes Avenue will continue to be suspended during construction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use caution and ​ in the construction zone.

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.