Motorists and daily travelers preparing for increased construction disruptions in Oakland during the upcoming week
Ongoing Construction in Pittsburgh's Oakland Neighborhood Causes Traffic Disruptions
This week, the University Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project of Pittsburgh Regional Transit is entering its second phase, bringing about multiple road closures and lane restrictions in the Oakland neighborhood. Here's what you need to know:
The University Line BRT Project is causing significant disruptions to traffic and transportation. Fifth Avenue is closed at Thackeray Avenue from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and sidewalks and crosswalks are also closed at this site from August 9 to August 11 [1]. North Bouquet Street is closed from Fifth Avenue to O’Hara Street from August 9 early morning through August 11 morning, although sidewalks and crosswalks remain open there [1].
Forbes Avenue is undergoing construction as well. Traffic restrictions along Forbes Avenue between Craft Avenue and McKee Place continue weekdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lane restrictions that slow traffic flow expected for several months [3]. During weekends and this week, paving work on Forbes Avenue is reducing travel lanes, with two lanes closed on weekends and one lane maintained for traffic during work hours [4].
Despite these disruptions, bus stops along Fifth and Forbes avenues remain in service, although some shuttle stops have been relocated [1][3]. For instance, Pitt’s Schenley Shuttle Stop has been moved from Forbes Avenue to Schenley Drive.
The Parkway East closures related to the University Line project are adding to the overall traffic congestion and slowing access to Oakland, requiring drivers to plan for delays and seek alternate routes [1]. While specific closure times for the Parkway East this week were not provided, the combination of these closures with Parkway East disruptions is expected to result in significant delays.
In light of these ongoing construction and paving operations, drivers in Oakland are advised to allow extra travel time, plan routes ahead, expect detours, and anticipate slower traffic flows. The project is ongoing and expected to conclude by 2026-2027 [1][4].
Anthony Schiro, a student who lives in Oakland, finds the constant shifting of construction work to be frustrating. Ron Baraff, a resident who navigates around closed and open areas in Pittsburgh, notes that allowing extra time and figuring things out is crucial [2].
Forbes Avenue will be the primary route for travelers due to the North Bouquet Street closure. Flaggers will help traffic flow on the Forbes Avenue route [5].
[1] - [Source 1] [2] - [Source 2] [3] - [Source 3] [4] - [Source 4] [5] - [Source 5]
The news of ongoing construction in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood has caused disruptions not only in transportation, but also in the finance industry as businesses may face loss due to decreased accessibility. Moreover, the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project's impact on the transportation sector extends to other industries, such as the transportation industry, given the significant delays and closed routes for both vehicles and public transit services like the bus.
