News Summary
Pittsburgh is preparing for significant traffic disruptions this weekend due to the start of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project in Oakland. North Bouquet Street will be closed, affecting multiple routes and causing delays. Travelers are advised to use Forbes Avenue as a detour, though congestion is expected. The project aims to improve public transportation with new transit stations and upgraded infrastructure, but construction is anticipated to continue into late 2027. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing changes and plan their journeys accordingly.
Pittsburgh is set to experience significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project commences. The construction in the Oakland neighborhood will affect multiple routes and create delays for residents and travelers alike.
Beginning this weekend, North Bouquet Street will be closed from Fifth Avenue to O’Hara Street until 6 a.m. on Monday. This closure is necessary for reconstruction and line painting as part of the ongoing project. Additional road closures include the Parkway East, which will be fully closed, further complicating traffic patterns in and around Oakland.
Travelers should prepare for increased congestion on Forbes Avenue, which is expected to serve as the primary detour route during the construction period. While Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes will remain operational, flaggers will be present to help manage traffic flow and minimize delays.
As part of the construction efforts, Forbes Avenue will also undergo line painting from Craft Avenue to Schenley Drive Extension, scheduled from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. These measures are designed to improve transit efficiency; however, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) advises commuters to leave early and be prepared for unforeseen delays.
The extensive $99.8 million project involves constructing 18 new transit stations equipped with modern amenities, such as fare-vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays. Furthermore, 39 intersections in Oakland and Uptown will be upgraded, with new ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals being installed to enhance safety for pedestrians.
The revitalization efforts will also include the addition of new sidewalks, trees, and streetlights throughout both the Oakland and Uptown neighborhoods. These upgrades are part of a broader initiative aimed at improving public transportation efficiency between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.
Construction on the University Line is projected to extend into late 2027 and will impact various bus routes throughout the duration. Plans are in place to shift construction focus to Fifth Avenue later in the year, with additional construction expected to commence in early 2026. The complete project budget is approximately $291 million, with tentative plans for future system extensions to Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport once funding becomes available.
Residents and local students, including those affected by this weekend’s closures, have voiced frustrations regarding the ongoing disruptions. However, PRT is committed to providing public updates and is planning community meetings to address concerns and provide information regarding the construction’s impact on local traffic patterns.
In summary, drivers in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood should brace for a weekend of heavy traffic disruptions due to the initiation of a major construction project focused on enhancing public transportation. With several streets closing, detours being implemented, and ongoing road improvements, residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan their travels accordingly.
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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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