Be on the lookout this week, and beyond, for some traffic changes for vehicles and pedestrians in Oakland and for vehicles on at least one major artery into the city.

Fifth Avenue: Beginning March 16, traffic patterns on Fifth Avenue in Oakland will change as construction continues for Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s University Line project. The former counterflow bus lane will become a regular travel lane for vehicles heading toward Downtown. Travel lanes on Fifth Avenue will shift left between Bellefield Avenue and Robinson Street. Motorists who plan to turn left onto cross streets should move into the left lane earlier than usual, as traffic patterns will be different than what drivers are accustomed to.

Pedestrians should be extra vigilant when crossing Fifth Avenue, as drivers may be adjusting to the new lane configuration and could be distracted. These changes are expected to remain in place for approximately six to eight weeks. 

University Club parking: The University Club parking lot will be unavailable between 7 p.m. March 17, through the evening of March 18. Soldiers and Sailors garage will remain open for those who need to park elsewhere. The walkway between Thackeray Hall and University Club will be partially closed during this time. Thackeray Hall’s accessible main building entrance will remain open. A temporary pedestrian pathway will be created around the lot to serve as a detour.

South Bouquet Street: South Bouquet Street will be closed between Forbes Avenue and Sennott Street from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16 and 17. Additionally, the sidewalk adjacent to the Barco Law Building will not be accessible during this time. This includes the POGOH bicycle rack. The sidewalk adjacent to Sennott Square will be open for pedestrians. The Forbes Avenue entrance to the Barco Law Building and nearby bicycle racks will not be impacted by this work.

Parkway East: Long-term lane restrictions will begin March 16 on I-376 (Parkway East) between the Penn Hills (Exit 81) and Monroeville/Plum (Exit 84 A/B) interchanges, weather permitting, PennDOT announced. An around-the-clock single-lane restriction will be implemented in both directions through April 17. Crews will conduct median barrier reconstruction, concrete repairs, asphalt improvements, and other miscellaneous construction activities. Crews will begin the long-term lane closure in the eastbound direction and immediately move to close a lane in the westbound direction. This work is part of the $70.1 million I-376 Parkway East Betterment Project. The improvements on the 4.5 miles of the Parkway East between the Churchill/Route 130 (Exit 79B) and Monroeville/Route 48 (Exit 84A) exit are anticipated to conclude in the fall 2026.