University Line Construction to Impact Traffic Patterns Along Fifth and Forbes Avenues Through April

Construction activities along Fifth Avenue between Bellefield and Robinson streets will impact traffic patterns in Oakland. Additionally, work on Fifth Avenue between Robinson and Wyandotte streets and Forbes Avenue between Jumonville and Birmingham Bridge will impact street parking in Uptown as University Line construction progresses. ​

Beginning Friday, March 13, new work zones will be mobilized, and traffic patterns and street parking will be impacted along the University Line corridor. PRT’s contractors will begin work to mill, patch and pave the roadway and continue to install new sidewalks, curbs and accessible ramps. ​

Intersections and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout all the work zones with flaggers helping to facilitate traffic. ​

PRT will make every effort to maintain bus stops along Fifth and Forbes avenues. However, bus stops may be taken out of service as needed to accommodate construction activities. ​

Fifth Avenue (between Bellefield Avenue and Robinson Street)

Traffic on Fifth Avenue in Oakland will shift to the south/left curb to accommodate construction activities in the two north/right travel lanes. In order to maintain three travel lanes in a section of the corridor, drivers will be able to use the former counterflow bus lane to travel inbound towards Downtown with a left turning lane at Craft Avenue through the end of April.

As work progresses into Uptown, traffic will be reduced to one travel lane, and parking will be suspended on both sides of the road within the work zones. ​

Fifth Avenue (between Robinson Street and Wyandotte Street)

Traffic will be reduced to one inbound travel lane with an additional left turning lane at Birmingham Bridge. ​

Most bus stops in this zone will be maintained but may be shifted 100 feet to the right or the left. The bus stop located at Fifth Avenue and Brenham Street will be out of service beginning March 13.

Forbes Avenue (from Jumonville Street to Birmingham Bridge)

Traffic will be reduced to one outbound travel lane during work hours. Two travel lanes will be maintained after hours. ​

This current phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of April. Future phases will include installation of traffic signals, pedestrian safety systems, new PRTX stations and red bus lanes.

When the University Line is finished, riders will benefit from a modernized transit corridor with buses traveling in dedicated lanes outbound on Forbes Avenue and inbound on Fifth Avenue, improving reliability and travel times. The bike lane on Fifth Avenue will enhance the safety of cyclists in the corridor. ​

Additional safety and accessibility upgrades include new sidewalks and curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, upgraded traffic signals, and enhanced pedestrian safety systems. ​

These changes support Phase Two of the University Line, which will better connect Downtown Pittsburgh, Uptown, and Oakland while improving reliability and enhancing the overall travel experience for riders. ​

For more information on the University Line, including weekly construction updates, please visit https://prt-brt-newshub.prezly.com/

Riders with questions are encouraged to call PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or reach out via Twitter @PghTransitCare or live chat at www.ridePRT.org.