Sidewalk Demolition Continues on Fifth Avenue

Sidewalk Demolition Continues on Fifth Avenue

Sidewalk demolition is underway at several locations along Fifth Avenue. PRT’s contractors continue to excavate, relocate water and sewer utilities, and run electrical conduit for station power.

In addition to new PRTX stations, several sections of Fifth Avenue will have new and expanded sidewalks, new curbs and accessible ramps. These upgrades will improve safety and accessibility for everyone. 

Efforts have been made to ensure sidewalks, crosswalks and ADA-access are provided for pedestrian safety. Pedestrian access is maintained on the south side of Fifth Avenue and where space allows on the north side of Fifth Avenue.

Future PRTX stations within the work zone on Fifth Avenue:

Most bus stops within the new work zone remain available but may be moved a few feet to the left or right of the existing stop. Two bus stops – Fifth Avenue at Thackery and Fifth Avenue at University Place – are combined into one new temporary stop between the existing stops. 

This phase of construction on Fifth Avenue is expected to be completed in fall 2025. 

Tree Removal Begins in Uptown

As part of the sidewalk expansion, bike lane installation and roadway improvements, the contractor must remove 73 trees. Removal of these trees began along Forbes Avenue on August 18 and is expected to wrap up in a couple of weeks. Of the 73 trees to be removed, all of them are along Forbes and Fifth Avenue in Uptown.

The BRT Project will include the planting of 297 trees along the University Line corridor in the Uptown and Oakland neighborhoods.

There will be a total of 277 trees planted in Uptown, and 20 trees planted in Oakland which represents three times more trees than removed. This beautification effort will provide multiple benefits, especially to Uptown residents and businesses including tree canopy providing shade, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving the community’s quality of life.

Utility Relocation 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, and sidewalk bump outs, 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. 

Electrical Components Online at Downtown PRTX Stations

PRT’s contractor is finalizing the remaining electrical components at the five PRTX Stations in downtown Pittsburgh.

Bus arrival screens and security cameras are now operational at each station. The blue emergency phones are not yet active.

On July 27, PRT officially opened the five new PRTX stations in downtown Pittsburgh. The stations are as follows: Ross Street, William Penn, Market Square, Wood Street and Steel Plaza.

Downtown stations have new glass shelters with seating, lighting, next bus arrival screens, and wayfinding signage. Fare vending machines will be installed at four of the five downtown stations in early 2026. ​ 

Bus routes 61A Braddock, 61B Braddock Swissvale, 61C McKeesport, 71B Highland Park, G2 West Busway and P1 East Busway will serve the new stations. ​ 

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.