Temporary Cross Walk Placed at the Intersection of Fifth and Sixth Avenues
August 30, 2024
PRT’s contractor painted a temporary crosswalk at the intersection of Fifth and Sixth avenues, adjacent to the Duquesne University’s Libermann Hall building and the BNY Client Services Center to help direct pedestrians during construction.
The contractor has two active work zones nearby; the first Ross Street Station, located on Fifth Avenue between Ross Street and Sixth Avenue and the second, a safety improvement site 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 accessible ramps at all four corners of the intersection.
Additionally, the sidewalk on Sixth Avenue between Fifth Avenue and Diamond Street will be replaced on both sides of the street and expanded adjacent to the County Family Division.
Construction activities nearby are expected to continue through late fall.
Granite Curb Installation Underway at Ross Street Station
PRT’s contractor is installing new granite curb at Fifth Avenue and Ross Street, adjacent to the BNY Client Service Center.
A new sidewalk, two accessible ramps, and a 15-foot concrete slab will be placed after granite curb installation is completed.
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.
New Sidewalk and Curb Placed at William Penn Place Station
Earlier this week, PRT’s contractor poured new exposed aggregate concrete sidewalk at Fifth Avenue and William Penn Place, adjacent to the Citizens Bank Building.
Next, the contractor will pour a 30-foot concrete slab to support the new PRXT station.
When construction for the University Line is complete, William Penn Place Station will have a 30-foot bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk, and new curb. 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.
Electrical Work to Continue Throughout the Downtown Loop
Ultimately, 35 new traffic signals will support the University Line in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Over the past few months, electrical crews have been placing foundations for new traffic signals and erecting poles throughout the Downtown Loop.
Recently, they began hanging new traffic signals at Sixth Avenue and Ross Street (pictured above), Sixth Avenue and Centre Avenue, and Sixth Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Most of the new signals will be mounted to the poles and wrapped in a tarp until they are put into service.
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
- 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 and two safety improvement sites.
PRTX stations will have new bus shelters with ADA compliant loading zones, new sidewalks and new granite curbs with accessible ramps. Station amenities will include a ticket vending machine, emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and new wayfinding signage.
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.