News Summary
This weekend, Pittsburgh faces significant construction-induced traffic disruptions as the second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project begins. North Bouquet Street will close until Monday morning, complicating travel, especially in Oakland. Residents and students have expressed frustrations over the ongoing work, which includes upgrades to intersections and new bus stations aimed at enhancing transit efficiency. Travelers are advised to prepare for increased congestion and delays, while public meetings will provide updates on future developments in the city’s transit infrastructure.
Pittsburgh is set to experience major construction and traffic delays this weekend as the second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project commences. Effective immediately, North Bouquet Street from Fifth to O’Hara will be closed until 6 a.m. Monday for essential reconstruction and line painting efforts.
The disruption comes at a time when residents and students, particularly those like Anthony Schiro, have voiced their frustrations over the ongoing construction activities that have long plagued the Oakland neighborhood. In addition to the street closure, the Parkway East will also be fully closed this weekend, further complicating the traffic landscape in the area.
Travelers heading through Oakland should brace for increased congestion on Forbes Avenue, which will serve as the primary detour route during this period. In an effort to maintain bus service amid the construction, bus routes along Fifth and Forbes Avenue will continue to operate as scheduled, with flaggers present to help manage traffic flow.
In a move to further enhance traffic conditions, line painting on Forbes Avenue between Craft Avenue and Schenley Drive Extension is planned for Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is advising travelers to leave early and anticipate delays to mitigate frustrations during this busy period.
The ongoing construction is part of a larger effort that includes building 18 new bus stations with various amenities such as fare-vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays, all under a $99.8 million contract. Additionally, 39 intersections across Oakland and Uptown will receive upgrades featuring ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals, enhancing safety and accessibility for all commuters.
As part of the project, new sidewalks, trees, and streetlights are set to be installed in both the Oakland and Uptown neighborhoods, contributing to improved urban infrastructure. However, the extensive construction related to the University Line is expected to continue until late 2027, with significant implications for various bus routes in the area.
Future phases of the project will involve shifting construction to Fifth Avenue later this year, with additional work scheduled to begin in early 2026. The total budget for the University Line Project is approximately $291 million, aimed at enhancing transit efficiency between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.
Moreover, PRT has plans to eventually extend the transit system to Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport once additional funding becomes available. To assist in keeping the public informed about ongoing construction and its impacts on local traffic, PRT will be hosting upcoming public meetings, providing residents with an opportunity to voice concerns and learn more about future developments.
This weekend’s construction activities, along with the overall objectives of the University Line Project, reflect a significant investment in Pittsburgh’s public transit infrastructure, aimed at fostering accessible and efficient travel for all city residents.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 state 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
