The University Line Weekly Update
February 5, 2024
Weekly Highlights:
- Construction for traffic signals is scheduled for Liberty Avenue at Sixth Avenue, Liberty Avenue at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue at Centre Avenue next week.
- Construction fencing is scheduled to be removed from Sixth Avenue at Grant Street by the end of next week. Final water connections were completed Monday night.
- Construction will continue next week at Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street and at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street.
Construction for Traffic Signals Continues 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 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Liberty Avenue at Sixth Avenue
- Liberty Avenue at Seventh Street
- Sixth Avenue at Centre Avenue (the contractor has the ability to work from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. at this location).
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 and will be performed during the day.
The contractor will begin installing traffic signals and poles on top of the foundations in the spring.
Final Waterline Work Completed at Sixth and Grant, Traffic Detour to be Removed Next Week
Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors have completed installation of new water and drainage infrastructure on Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets. Final water connections were completed Monday night. Construction fencing is scheduled to be removed by the end of next week.
Construction Activities Will Continue at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street Next Week
PRT contractors continue to perform exploratory excavation for the University Line bus rapid transit project at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street. PRT must relocate the existing water and drainage infrastructure before the stations are constructed.
The work area is set up on Sixth Avenue between Wood Street and Liberty Avenue in the two travel lanes adjacent to Wood Street Station. 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 on Sixth Avenue 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.
Earlier today the contractor set up temporary bypass pumps on the sidewalk in front of the K&L Gates building. The bypass pumping work will be performed tonight (Friday, 2/2) and should be completed by tomorrow morning (Saturday 2/3). The remaining work at this location is expected to take 10-12 weeks to complete. Once the infrastructure work is completed, the area will be restored.
Construction Continues at Sixth and Smithfield Next Week
Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors are installing a new water main on Sixth Avenue between Smithfield Street and William Penn Place next week.
PRT must relocate water and drainage infrastructure there also.
One traffic 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 work is expected to last at this location through mid-February.
Thank you for your continued support of this project.
For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.