Major Traffic Disruptions in Pittsburgh’s Oakland Neighborhood Due to University Line Project

News Summary

Pittsburgh residents and commuters should brace for significant traffic delays as the University Line Bus Rapid Transit project moves into its second phase. Starting this weekend, key roads, including North Bouquet Street and Parkway East, will be closed for construction, causing detours along alternate routes like Forbes Avenue. The transit project, designed to enhance accessibility and modernize transportation between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, will involve upgrades to intersections, stations, and pedestrian amenities over the coming years.

Major Construction and Traffic Delays Expected in Pittsburgh’s Oakland Neighborhood as University Line Project Enters Second Phase

Pittsburgh residents and travelers should prepare for significant construction activity and traffic disruptions beginning this weekend as the second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project launches. The project aims to enhance transit services between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland by building multiple new stations and upgrading existing infrastructure.

Construction Activities and Road Closures

Starting this weekend, North Bouquet Street from Fifth Avenue to O’Hara Street will be completely closed until 6 a.m. Monday, due to reconstruction work and line painting activities. This closure will impact local traffic flow and require detours for vehicles and buses. Additionally, the Parkway East corridor will be fully closed during the same period, leading to increased traffic routing through Oakland neighborhoods.

Traffic detours primarily affect Forbes Avenue, which will serve as a main alternate route for drivers and public transit vehicles. Travelers on the Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes can expect to continue operations on schedule, with flaggers present at key points to manage traffic flow and safety.

Upcoming Line Painting and Construction Schedule

Line painting along Forbes Avenue, from Craft Avenue to the Schenley Drive Extension, is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This work may cause minor disruptions, but transit officials have indicated that bus routes in that area will maintain regular schedules during this period.

Travel Advisories and Recommendations

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) advises travelers to plan ahead by leaving earlier than usual and to expect delays. Such proactive measures are recommended to help mitigate frustration and ensure smoother commutes during construction activities.

Details of the University Line Construction

The ongoing project involves building 18 new stations equipped with amenities such as fare vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays. Construction also includes upgrading 39 intersections within the Oakland and Uptown neighborhoods, where new ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals will be installed to improve accessibility and safety.

In addition to transit upgrades, the project will feature the installation of new sidewalks, street trees, and streetlights in both Oakland and Uptown areas. These enhancements aim to improve pedestrian experiences and neighborhood aesthetics.

Project Timeline and Future Developments

The construction is expected to continue until late 2027, with various phases impacting bus routes and traffic patterns over the coming years. Later this year, work will shift to Fifth Avenue, and additional construction activities are scheduled to begin in early 2026.

The overall cost of the University Line BRT Project is approximately $291 million. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation efficiency between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.

Expansion Plans and Community Engagement

Once fully funded, PRT plans to extend the BRT system to Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport. To facilitate community involvement and provide updates on construction progress, upcoming public meetings will be scheduled, offering residents and travelers additional information about the project and its effects on local traffic.

Construction associated with the University Line is a major and ongoing infrastructure effort designed to modernize Pittsburgh’s transit system and improve mobility in key neighborhoods. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed of schedule changes and plan accordingly to navigate the disruptions.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

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