University Line Construction to Impact Traffic Signals in the Coming Weeks

Beginning Monday, October 7, electrical crews will begin activating 35 new traffic signals recently installed at 16 intersections along Fifth and Sixth avenues in downtown Pittsburgh over the next several weeks.

Contractors will work on one intersection at a time, each expected to take one or two days to complete. Most work will be completed in a parking or travel lane and should have minimal impact to vehicular traffic. 

Traffic signals will be out of service while work is performed, and safety personnel will facilitate traffic at each work location.

Over the next few weeks, electrical crews will move backwards throughout the downtown loop as follows:

When construction is complete, there will be 35 new traffic signals supporting the new University Line bus rapid transit project in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The old signals and poles will be removed later this fall.

Pedestrian access will always be maintained; however, some work may require the use of the adjacent parking/travel lane.

Granite Curb and Sidewalk Installation to Continue at Steel Plaza Station

PRT’s contractor will continue to install granite curb and sidewalk along Sixth Avenue between Grant and Ross streets for Steel Plaza Station next week.

Earlier this week, the contractor placed steel rebar and wooden frames to support the new concrete sidewalk at Steel Plaza Station. In addition, two concrete slabs will be placed support the new bus shelters.

When construction for the University Line is complete, Steel Plaza Station will have two 60-foot bus shelters with ADA compliant loading zones. Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and real-time arrival signs.

Traffic is being maintained in both directions adjacent to the work zone. The sidewalk remains open across from the work site.

Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall.

Accessible Ramps Placed at Market Street Station

The PRT contractor completed installation of two new accessible ramps at Market Street Station adjacent to Triangle Park.

Later this fall, the contractor will pour new exposed aggregate concrete sidewalk, a concrete slab to support the new shelter and two additional accessible ramps.

When construction for the University Line is complete, Market Square Station will have a 30-foot bus shelter with an ADA compliant loading zone, new sidewalk, and new curb with accessible ramps. Station amenities will include an emergency phone, security camera(s), seating, lighting, and real-time arrival signs.

To accommodate the new bus shelter and expanded sidewalk, Fifth Avenue between Market Street and Liberty Avenue will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction.

Currently, one outbound travel lane is being maintained. The sidewalk remains open across from the work site.

Construction fencing is expected to remain in place 24/7 until late fall.

Construction Locations for the University Line

PRT’s contractor has seven major work zones in downtown Pittsburgh. Five of the locations will be PRTX stations (highlighted in green) and the other two locations are safety improvement zones (highlighted in blue).

When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be five new PRTX stations:

In addition to the five stations, there are two safety improvement sites at: 

​ ​ 6. Sixth Avenue (between Fifth Avenue and Diamond Street) 

​ ​ 7. Sixth Avenue (between Smithfield Street and William Penn Pace) 

Both locations will have new expanded sidewalks with granite curbs and accessible ramps improving safety and accessibility along the corridor.

To learn more about each of the current construction locations, please visit our Construction Locations web page.

Thank you for your continued support of this project.

For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.