News Summary
Pittsburgh is facing significant traffic disruptions as the second phase of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project begins. North Bouquet Street will be fully closed for reconstruction, with the Parkway East also affected this weekend. Travelers are urged to plan ahead as congestion increases, especially on detour routes. PRT is working on significant improvements, including new bus stations and intersections upgrades, set to continue until late 2027 with a budget of approximately $291 million.
Pittsburgh Experiences Major Construction and Traffic Delays as University Line Project Begins Second Phase
Pittsburgh is bracing for significant traffic disruptions as the second phase of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project commences this weekend. The project aims to improve transit efficiency between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, ultimately promoting faster and more reliable public transportation in the area.
North Bouquet Street will be fully closed from Fifth to O’Hara until 6 a.m. on Monday for crucial reconstruction work and line painting. This closure is a key part of the ongoing project, which has drawn ire from local residents, including students who are frustrated with the extended disruptions to their daily commutes.
In addition to the closure on North Bouquet Street, the Parkway East will also be closed this weekend, further burdening the area’s traffic flow as drivers navigate around the construction zones. Travelers should anticipate increased congestion, particularly on Forbes Avenue, which will serve as a primary detour route. To manage the flow of traffic, bus routes along Fifth and Forbes Avenue will continue to operate on their normal schedules, with flaggers on-site to assist with the movement of vehicles.
Forbes Avenue will experience its own line painting project starting Monday and continuing through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These additional markings are aimed at improving the overall traffic situation.
PRT advises travelers to plan their journeys ahead of time and expect delays as the construction progresses. The ongoing work encompasses significant improvements, including the addition of 18 new bus stations that will feature modern amenities such as fare-vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays. The entirety of the construction comes under a contract valued at $99.8 million.
As part of the project, 39 intersections throughout Oakland and Uptown will receive upgrades, including the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals to enhance safety. New sidewalks, trees, and streetlights aimed at improving the environment in both neighborhoods will also be part of the redevelopment strategy.
The University Line construction efforts are scheduled to last until late 2027, and throughout this period, various bus routes are expected to be impacted. Plans include shifting construction work to Fifth Avenue later this year, with additional construction slated to commence in early 2026. The budget for the overall project is approximately $291 million, reflecting the extensive nature of the work being undertaken.
In a future phase, PRT plans to extend the transit line to reach Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport once additional funding becomes available. To keep the public informed about the construction’s progress and the expected impacts on local traffic, PRT will conduct upcoming public meetings.
As the project moves into its next phase, residents and travelers in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood are encouraged to remain aware of changing traffic patterns and construction schedules as efforts to improve transit continue.
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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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