PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will commence early construction on Monday, March 17, for a $148.9 million initiative to rehabilitate Market Street bridges in Philadelphia’s Center City. This multi-faceted infrastructure project spans the bridges carrying Market Street over Amtrak, Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway), the Schuylkill River Trail, and the CSX Railroad.
Key aspects of the project include replacing deteriorating superstructures, sidewalks, and decks, as well as transitioning the eastside bridge over the Schuylkill River Trail and CSX Railroad to a single-span bridge with retaining walls. Additional improvements will reconfigure Market Street’s pavement from Schuylkill Avenue West to 23rd Street, introducing enhanced accommodation for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Notable upgrades include the installation of two 10-foot-wide travel lanes in both directions, turning lanes, wide sidewalks, and a two-way bike lane with concrete separators aligned with existing bike networks.
Utility relocation will be the focus of early construction through Monday, April 14, necessitating periodic weekday lane closures along Market Street from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Future phases will include partial detours, staged traffic patterns, and a full closure of Market Street to vehicular traffic for 14 months between August 2026 and October 2027 to facilitate construction. Walnut Street will undergo concurrent upgrades, with efforts staggered to minimize disruptions.
Additional enhancements cover lighting and safety upgrades, repairs to river walls supporting the Schuylkill River banks, and improved connections between the Schuylkill River Trail and surrounding infrastructure. The project also includes comprehensive preservation efforts for the Walnut Street bridge, along with resurfacing sections of Walnut Street roadway and installing a separated bike lane.
With funding split 80 percent federally and 20 percent by the state, this four-year project underscores a vital investment in Philadelphia’s transportation network. Beyond near-term delays and detours, the project’s completion promises safer, more efficient routes for all commuters and aligns with preparations for the city’s America Semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026.
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