Safety and Accessibility Improvements
September 27, 2024
.jpg "Wood frames were recently placed to form the new sidewalk and accessible ramps at Fifth and Sixth avenues")
PRT's contractor is currently installing new sidewalk and curbs at Fifth and Sixth avenues, adjacent to the BNY Mellon Client Services Center. This is one of several locations through the Downtown Loop where new infrastructure will improve safety and accessibility.
The contractor has laid out the framework for new sidewalks and accessible ramps by removing the existing concrete (pictured above). The contractor has placed new steel rebar (green) and wood frames which will support the new sidewalk and curbs.
The contractor has two active work zones nearby. The first Ross Street Station, which is located on Fifth Avenue between Ross Street and Sixth Avenue. The second one is a safety improvement site, located on Sixth Avenue between Fifth Avenue and Diamond Street.
When construction for the University Line is complete, the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue (pictured above) will be safer and more accessible with four new crosswalks and new curbs with accessible ramps at all four corners of the intersection.
Nearby construction is expected to continue through late fall.
.jpg "Installation of a concrete slab that will support the new bus shelter")
New Concrete Slab Placed at Ross Street Station
A concrete slab was recently placed at Fifth Avenue and Ross Street to support the new bus shelter at Ross Street Station. New concrete sidewalks with accessible ramps were also recently installed.
When construction is complete, Ross Street Station will have a 15-foot bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk, and new curb with accessible ramps. Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and real-time arrival signs.
Traffic is being maintained in both directions. The sidewalk remains open across from the worksite.
Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall.
Granite Curb Installation to Continue at Steel Plaza Station
PRT's contractor will continue to install granite curb along Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets for Steel Plaza Station next week. Additionally, they will begin demolition of curbs and accessible ramps so they can be replaced.
When construction for the University Line is complete, Steel Plaza Station will have two 60-foot bus shelters with ADA compliant loading zones. Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and real-time arrival signs.
Traffic is being maintained in both directions adjacent to the work zone. The sidewalk remains open across from the work site.
Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall.
Sidewalk and Curb Installation to Continue at Market Square Station
PRT's contractor will continue to install new exposed aggregate concrete sidewalks and granite curbs with accessible ramps on Fifth Avenue between Market Street and Liberty Avenue adjacent to Triangle Park.
When construction for the University Line is complete, Market Square Station will have a 30-foot bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk, and new curb with accessible ramps. Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and real-time arrival signs.
To accommodate the new bus shelter and expanded sidewalk, Fifth Avenue between Market Street and Liberty Avenue will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction.
Currently, one outbound travel lane is being maintained. The sidewalk remains open across from the work site.
Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall.
Traffic Signal Installation to Continue Throughout the Downtown Loop
Ultimately, 35 new traffic signals will support the University Line in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Recently, electrical crews began hanging new traffic signals along with illuminated pedestrian countdown signals throughout the Downtown Loop.
PRTs electrical contractor is also installing infrastructure to support the city of Pittsburgh's future transit signal priority project.
Over the next week, electrical crews will be working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:
- Sixth Avenue and Grant Avenue
- Sixth Avenue and Centre Avenue
- Sixth Avenue and Liberty Avenue
- Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street
- Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue
- Fifth Avenue and Cherry Way
- Fifth Avenue and Wood Street
Each location has additional work to be performed. The contractor will move between locations to help keep the project on schedule.
Pedestrian access will always be maintained; however, some work may require the use of the adjacent parking/travel lane.
Construction Locations for the University Line
PRT's contractor has seven major work zones in downtown Pittsburgh. Five of the locations will be PRTX stations (highlighted in green) and the other two locations are safety improvement zones (highlighted in blue).
When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be five new PRTX stations:
- Ross Street Station
- William Penn Place Station
- Market Square Station
- Wood Street Station
- Steel Plaza Station
In addition to the five stations, there are two safety improvement sites at:
6. Sixth Avenue (between Fifth Avenue and Diamond Street)
7. Sixth Avenue (between Smithfield Street and William Penn Place)
Both locations will have new expanded sidewalks with granite curbs and accessible ramps improving safety and accessibility along the corridor.
To learn more about each of the current construction locations, please visit our Construction Locations web page.
Thank you for your continued support of this project.
For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.