The University Line Weekly Update
February 12, 2024
Weekly Highlights:
- Construction activities for traffic signals will continue at Sixth and Centre avenues next week.
- Construction activities will also continue next week at Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street and at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street, where contractors are installing new water and drainage infrastructure.
- Sixth Avenue is reopened to traffic between Grant and Ross streets. The construction fencing was removed yesterday (2/8).
Construction for Traffic Signals Will Continue at Sixth and Centre Avenues Next Week
Groundwork for 35 new traffic signals that will ultimately support the University Line bus rapid transit project will continue next week.
The PRT electrical subcontractor will be working on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sixth Avenue and Centre Avenue.
The work involves the preparation of new traffic signals over the next four months. Although the length of time spent at each location will vary, most sites will take two to five days. Work hours will vary depending on the location.
The contractor will begin installing traffic signals and poles on top of the foundations in the spring.
Gigantic Pumps Used to Perform A Temporary Bypass Operation at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street
Last week, Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors performed a temporary bypass pumping operation for the University Line bus rapid transit project near the work zone at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street. The pumps staged in front of the K&L gates building were used to bypass the existing storm drain so that contractors could inspect it. Work was performed Friday night (2/2) into Saturday morning (2/3).
Next week, contractors will continue to perform exploratory excavation at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street. PRT must install new water and drainage infrastructure before the stations are constructed.
The work area is set up on Sixth Avenue between Wood Street and Liberty Avenue. The two travel lanes on Sixth Avenue (adjacent to Wood Street Station) are closed and traffic is forced to turn left or right into Wood Street. One travel lane (opposite the construction site) remains open allowing vehicles coming from Liberty Avenue to turn right onto Sixth Avenue.
Wood Street Station is not accessible from the doors on Sixth Avenue. Instead, riders can enter through the doors on Wood Street. PRT has placed signs to help direct riders.
The contractor is expected to complete underground utility work at this location by the end of March. The contractor will come back later to install new sidewalks, ADA ramps, and a new bus shelter with upgraded amenities.
Construction Activities will Continue at Sixth and Smithfield Next Week
Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors are installing new water and drainage infrastructure on Sixth Avenue between Smithfield Street and William Penn Place.
One travel lane will be maintained in each direction on Sixth Avenue between Smithfield Street and William Penn Place.
Mellon Garage will remain accessible from all entrances and exits, and pedestrian access will be maintained on Sixth Avenue opposite the work zone.
PRT bus routes P1, P68, and P71 will detour one block to Fifth Avenue; however, all stops will continue to be served.
The underground utility work is expected to be completed by late February. Construction activities will resume at this location in the spring.
Sixth Avenue is Reopened to Traffic Between Grant and Ross Streets
Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors have completed installation of new water and drainage infrastructure on Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets. Construction fencing was removed Thursday (2/8).
Construction activities will resume at this location in the spring.
Thank you for your continued support of this project.
For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.