Sidewalk Demolition Progressing on Forbes Avenue in Uptown

Sidewalk Demolition Progressing on Forbes Avenue in Uptown

Now that the extreme winter weather conditions have passed, University Line construction has resumed at several locations along Forbes Avenue between Stevenson and Jumonville streets. Ultimately, three new PRTX Stations will be located within the work zone. ​

PRT contractors recently began sidewalk demolition at the future site of the Uptown Central Station to be located at Forbes Avenue and Miltenberger Street.

The contractors will relocate water and sewer infrastructure, then install new expanded sidewalks, curbs, and accessible ramps. Additionally, crews will run conduits for station power and pedestrian safety systems. ​

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through the end of March 2026. Work may also be performed on Saturdays as needed.

Parking has been suspended on both sides of Forbes Avenue between Stevenson and Jumonville streets. Side streets and intersections remain open. Pedestrian access will be maintained with temporary crosswalks and accessible ramps.

When construction is complete, new sidewalks will be installed along nearly the entire length of Fifth and Forbes avenues in Uptown.

Sidewalk Demolition and Restoration Continues on Fifth Avenue in Uptown

PRT’s contractor began sidewalk demolition at several locations to relocate utilities and install conduit for station power to support future PRTX Stations along Fifth Avenue in Uptown. ​

Where utilities have already been relocated, contractors are installing new sidewalks, curbs, and accessible ramps.

In future phases, PRT will install five new PRTX Stations along Fifth Avenue in Uptown with transit amenities, traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

Green Infrastructure Installation Underway in Uptown

PRT’s contractor continues to install green infrastructure (GI) systems throughout Uptown. The most recent green infrastructure construction site is at Forbes Avenue and Pride Street. This location will be an underground storage tank.

Ultimately, GI will be installed at 18 locations as part of the University Line project. Thirteen locations will have underground GI storage trenches, which will not be visible once construction is complete. Five locations will have bioswales, commonly known as rain gardens, with both underground infrastructure and visible above ground plantings. ​

Bioswales/above ground stormwater retention ponds will be located at: ​

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Pride Street ​

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Jumonville Street ​

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at Moultrie Street ​

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fifth Avenue at the Birmingham Bridge ​

· ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Forbes Avenue at Schenley Plaza ​

As work progresses, crews will begin to excavate these locations and create a frame for the bioswales. The bioswales are long trenches which collect storm water runoff from the streets and sidewalks, allowing water to collect and infiltrate slowly into the ground rather than overload the combined sewer system. ​

Crews will install a sub-base of gravel and organic matter before a final layer of vegetation is applied. These layers will slow the water infiltration and filter out pollutants. ​

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. ​ ​ ​