University Line Construction Moving Outbound Buses to Forbes Avenue

PRT Advances University Line Construction Moving Outbound Buses to Forbes Avenue

The counterflow bus lane on Fifth Avenue stretching from Craft to Bellefield avenues in Oakland will permanently be removed from service as early as Sunday, January 4, 2026.

To support this change, nine PRT bus routes will be rerouted from the counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue to the future bus lane on Forbes Avenue. Seventeen outbound bus stops will be removed from Fifth Avenue and alternate bus stops will be established on Forbes Avenue. Additionally, buses will no longer be able to use the turnaround at Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street.

Beginning as early as January 4, there will be a 37-day test period to allow for minor adjustments to bus detours. Construction will not begin on the south side of Fifth Avenue until the test period is completed.

During the test period, some street parking will be temporarily restricted on both sides of Seneca Street between Fifth and Forbes avenues in order to allow buses to turn. This street parking will be replaced after the test period is completed.

Street parking will also be removed from both sides of Fifth and Forbes avenues as additional work zones are mobilized.

Following completion of the test period, these routing changes will become permanent with PRT’s February service changes.

When construction of the University Line is complete, buses will travel between Downtown, Uptown and Oakland in a dedicated bus lane outbound on Forbes Avenue and inbound on Fifth Avenue. The counterflow lane on Fifth Avenue will be reconfigured as a protected bi-directional bicycle lane.

Safety improvements include new sidewalks and curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, modernized intersections with new traffic signals, and pedestrian safety systems.

More details regarding new routing and stop changes will be announced soon.

Sidewalk Restoration Continues Along Fifth Avenue in Oakland

PRT’s contractor is continuing to install new sidewalk and curbs at multiple locations along Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Construction activities include excavating, relocating utilities, running conduit for station power, and replacing the existing sidewalk, curbs, and accessible ramps.

This phase of construction on the north side of Fifth Avenue is expected to be nearly complete by the end of the year. Crews will have additional remaining work to complete in early 2026.

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

Additionally, the current counterflow bus lane on the south side of Fifth Avenue will be repurposed as a two-way bicycle track.

Concrete Work Continues at Schenley Plaza  

PRT’s contractor has started additional concrete work on Forbes Avenue between Schenley Drive and Schenley Drive Extension. ​ 

Crews will be working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During work hours, the right southbound curb lane will be blocked for construction equipment with traffic shifting to the center lane. Traffic will be restored to normal traffic patterns at the conclusion of work each night. 

Buses will continue to travel and service stops on Forbes Avenue during construction. While the work zone will be fenced off, the sidewalk behind the work zone, bike lane, crosswalks, and side streets will remain open. 

This phase of construction at Schenley Plaza is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In a later phase, the contractor will return to install a new 60-foot PRTX Station with transit amenities, a red bus lane, and traffic and pedestrian safety signals. ​ ​ 

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.