Road Construction on Fifth Avenue Continues

Extensive road construction continues along Fifth Avenue as contractors mill, patch, and pave the roadway.

From Kirkpatrick Street to Diamond Street, traffic is already reduced to a single lane traveling in the left (south) lane to Pride Street using a concrete barrier, and the single lane is now extended to Diamond Street using channelizers.

Milling operations have been completed on this stretch of road. Contractors have begun concrete patching of the road and raising manholes and water box lids to grade. Final paving is anticipated to be completed by the end of June.

From Bellefield Avenue to Craft Avenue, traffic has now shifted to the right with three lanes remaining open. The two left lanes – including the former counterflow lane – are closed. This will allow crews to rebuild the roadway and sidewalks in preparation for the future bi-directional bike lane. ​ ​

This phase of work will also create a new extended curb line that will widen the existing sidewalk. Several sections of sidewalk adjacent to the future bike lane will be replaced. ​

No coordinated utility work is planned in and around the former counterflow lane similar to the construction activities that took place on the other side of Fifth Avenue.

From Craft Avenue to Kirkpatrick Street, traffic is also reduced to a single through lane, with a second lane designated for turns onto the Birmingham Bridge. Sidewalk and roadway reconstruction continue on the south side of the road.

Throughout the construction corridor, access to intersections and local businesses will be maintained. Parking will remain restricted along both sides of Fifth Avenue.

Pedestrian access will continue to be provided through temporary walkways and ADA-accessible ramps.

Several bus stops are temporarily impacted during this phase of construction. Bus stops temporarily removed from service include:

Bus stops relocating to the opposite side of the intersection are:

Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend work may occur as needed, and all construction activities are weather dependent.

Motorists are advised to observe construction signage and reduce speed through the work zones.

Various Phases of Sidewalk Construction Ongoing in Uptown

PRT contractors continue to perform sidewalk demolition, utility relocation, and final sidewalk and curb restoration throughout Forbes and Fifth avenues in Uptown. ​

Construction activities can be seen primarily along the south side of Forbes Avenue between Boyd and Pride Streets, and near Gist, Van Braam, and Moultrie streets. Sidewalk construction is occurring on the north side of Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick to Jumonville streets. While most of the work is in the utility relocation phase, some sections are nearing completion with concrete being poured for final restoration and station slabs.

A number of sidewalks have already been restored including the south side of Forbes from Jumonville to Moultrie streets and several blocks along Fifth Avenue in Uptown. ​

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

Fare Vending Machines to be Installed at Downtown PRTX Stations

Installation of new fare vending machines began this week in preparation for the launch of the new ReadyFare cards. The Wood Street, Market Street, William Penn Place and Steel Plaza PRTX Stations are all slated to receive fare vending machines in June. Once installed, they will be available for immediate use.

Over the coming months, the existing connect card machines will be removed and replaced with the ReadyFare card machines throughout PRT’s system. The fare vending machines are specifically designed to provide a more convenient way to purchase ReadyFare cards, add value to existing cards, or load fare directly onto a smartphone using the ReadyFare app.

More information and updates are available at rideprt.org/fares-and-passes/readyfare/.

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.