News Summary
Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood is bracing for significant construction and traffic disruptions as the University Line Bus Rapid Transit project enters its second phase. Starting this weekend, various road closures and detours will affect local traffic flow and bus operations, particularly along North Bouquet Street and the Parkway East. While the Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes will maintain regular service, commuters are urged to prepare for delays and stay informed about ongoing construction activities that are set to continue until late 2027.
Major Construction and Traffic Delays Expected in Pittsburgh’s Oakland Neighborhood as University Line Project Enters Second Phase
Pittsburgh, PA – The second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, managed by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), is set to begin this weekend, bringing significant construction activity and traffic disruptions to the Oakland neighborhood and surrounding areas. The project aims to improve transit efficiency between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland but will temporarily affect local traffic flow and bus operations over the coming months.
Road Closures and Construction Activities
Starting this weekend, North Bouquet Street, stretching from Fifth Avenue to O’Hara Street, will be closed until 6 a.m. on Monday. The closure is necessary for reconstruction work, including line painting, which is part of the overall project designed to upgrade transit infrastructure. During this period, local residents and commuters can expect detours and disruptions on this route.
Additionally, the Parkway East will be fully closed this weekend, which will reroute vehicles through Oakland and contribute to increased congestion along familiar detour routes, especially on Forbes Avenue. Travelers planning to use major streets should anticipate delays and plan accordingly by leaving early or allowing extra travel time.
Traffic Management and Bus Service
Despite construction impacts, the Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes will continue operating on their regular schedules. To help manage traffic flow along these busy corridors, flaggers will be present to assist with vehicle movements. Line painting on Forbes Avenue, from Craft Avenue to the Schenley Drive Extension, is scheduled from Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., further affecting traffic patterns in the area.
Construction Components and Project Scope
The University Line project involves constructing 18 new stations, which will feature amenities such as fare-vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays. The stations are part of the broader plan to modernize transit options and reduce travel times across key Pittsburgh neighborhoods. This phase of work also includes upgrades at 39 intersections in Oakland and Uptown, focusing on installing ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals to enhance safety for all users.
Beyond station and intersection improvements, the project entails installing new sidewalks, streetlights, and trees in Oakland and Uptown, contributing to neighborhood beautification and pedestrian safety. The overall construction is expected to continue until late 2027, affecting various bus routes and requiring ongoing detours and traffic adjustments.
Future Phases and Long-term Goals
Later this year, work will shift to Fifth Avenue, with additional construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. The entire project, with a budget of approximately $291 million, aims to create a more efficient transit corridor between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland. Future plans include extending the system to Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport, pending funding approval.
Advisories and Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Regional Transit recommends that travelers plan ahead by leaving early and expecting delays during construction periods. PRT also encourages residents to stay informed about updates, with upcoming public meetings designed to provide further information about the project’s progress and its impact on traffic and bus service in the region.
Conclusion
The University Line BRT project is a significant infrastructure initiative expected to improve transit service quality in Pittsburgh’s Oakland and surrounding neighborhoods. However, its implementation will involve extended construction activities, temporary traffic disruptions, and adjustments to bus routes through late 2027. Residents and commuters in the area are advised to stay updated on the project timeline and plan accordingly to minimize inconvenience during this period.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Pittsburgh Regional Transit Oakland Construction
- Wikipedia: Pittsburgh
- Union Progress: Work on Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s University Line
- Google Search: Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line
- Post-Gazette: PRT Oakland University Line Construction Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pittsburgh Public Transit
- WTAE: Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line Construction Project
- Google News: Pittsburgh Regional Transit
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