Red Bus Lanes Installed on Forbes and Fifth Avenues in Oakland

Contractors have completed installation of the signature red bus-only lanes on both Forbes and Fifth avenues in Oakland.

Installation occurred in phases over four days between Bellefield and Craft avenues. The traffic lane remained closed for approximately 24 hours after application while the surface cured.

Although the color resembles paint, the lanes are created using an epoxy coating embedded with tiny red glass beads – the same treatment installed on the Downtown bus lanes along Fifth and Sixth avenues.

Permanent pavement markings, including lane striping and crosswalks, will be installed during the day on Forbes Avenue this coming Tuesday and Wednesday and on Fifth Avenue Thursday through Saturday, weather dependent.

Buses have begun to use the new lanes. Signage will be updated to ensure both bus operators and motorists know how to use the corridor safely. Only public transit vehicles will be permitted to use the lanes; bicycles, parking, loading, and unloading are not permitted.

In some areas along the corridor, motorists may use the bus lane to make right turns. These areas will be marked with red stripes.

Consistent with the transit-only lanes in Downtown Pittsburgh, there will be a 30-day period during which time motorists will receive a warning for any unpermitted use of the bus lane. After the initial 30-day period, motorists will be issued a ticket for traveling or stopping in the bus lane.

To view a video of the installation, visit prt-brt-newshub.prezly.com/ .

Sidewalk Construction Expanding Along Fifth Avenue in Uptown

PRT contractors are progressing with sidewalk demolition and utility relocation along the south side of Fifth Avenue between Dinwiddie Street to Diamond Street. Once sidewalk demolition is complete, they will begin restoration activities that include installing new and wider sidewalks and new curbs.

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parking remains suspended on both sides of Fifth Avenue and traffic is reduced to one lane along the blocks where crews are actively working.

Heavy Construction Presence Along Forbes Avenue in Uptown

While various phases of road and sidewalk construction are taking place along Forbes Avenue, contractors have been active between Boyd Street and Pride Street in preparation for Duquesne University students arriving next week.

The first layer of asphalt was placed this week in the south and center lanes of the roadway from Boyd Street to Pride Street which will allow for two lanes of traffic to open to assist student arrivals all next week.

Concrete road patching is nearing completion in the south and center lanes of Forbes Avenue stretching from Pride Street to Jumonville Street. Paving will take place from Pride Street to Jumonville Street in about two weeks with a final topcoat to be applied on the roadway from Boyd Street to Jumonville Street by Labor Day.

The north and center curb lane of Forbes Avenue and Chatham Square is expected to close for two weeks beginning August 26 for gas line relocation and catch basin repairs.

While crews work to complete sidewalk improvements on the south side of Forbes from Boyd Street to Jumonville Street, sidewalk restoration has begun on the north side between Jumonville and Brady streets.

Parking remains suspended on both sides of Forbes Avenue and traffic will remain restricted to one lane while crews work to get the road completed.

Access to businesses and intersections will be maintained, and pedestrians will continue to have access through temporary walkways, ADA-accessible ramps, or sidewalks on the opposite side of active work zones.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down, use caution, and watch for changing traffic patterns throughout the construction zones.

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.