The University Line Weekly Update

Weekly Highlights:

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.

Construction to lay the foundation for new traffic signals at the intersection of Sixth and Centre avenues near the DoubleTree hotel parking garage is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 29 and continue through Friday, February 2.

The contractor will work on one side of the street at a time while traffic safety personnel facilitate two-way traffic on the other. To limit disruptions to traffic, the work will be performed each night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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 work at Sixth and Centre is being performed overnight because it requires entering the roadway and may impact traffic. ​

The traffic signals and poles upon which they are mounted are expected to be installed this spring.

PRT Contractor Prepares for Final Waterline work at Sixth and Grant

Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors have completed installation of new water and drainage infrastructure on Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets.

One of the final steps to complete the installation of new water and drainage infrastructure on Sixth Avenue between Grant Ross streets will be a planned interruption of water service to the DoubleTree hotel and the Bigelow Grille.

This interruption will be conducted overnight at the request of the impacted property owners, beginning at 10 p.m. on Monday, January 29 and ending by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30.

Traffic on Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets is reduced to one lane in each direction. Pedestrian access is being maintained opposite the work site.

Construction is Underway at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street

Earlier this week, PRT contractors established a third work location for the University Line bus rapid transit project at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street.

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.

PRT must relocate the existing water and drainage infrastructure before the stations are constructed. The work will involve exploratory excavation and installation of new water and drainage infrastructure. The work is expected to take 10-12 weeks to complete.

Construction Continues at Sixth and Smithfield Next Week

Pittsburgh Regional Transit contractors will begin installation of the new water main on Sixth Avenue between Smithfield Street and William Penn Place next week.

PRT must relocate water and drainage infrastructure there too.

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.