Through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the Oakland Transportation Management Association (OMTA), and the business community, pedestrian safety and mobility improvements along Fifth and Forbes Avenues were pursued through a Hometown Streets Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This was coupled with streetscape improvements along the retail district of Forbes Avenue.

Investigation and assessment of the existing traffic signal control equipment and how to implement the replacement of existing support poles while maintaining signal operations. Safety studies for pedestrian access points and crosswalk locations for final implementation were completed. Each intersection crosswalk capacity was evaluated to determine the need for the placement of additional crosswalk locations.