SEPTA Track Renewal Project Kicking off March 17th, 2025

Our partners from SEPTA have shared details about a trolley track renewal project on 42nd Street that will impact people traveling through our community from the middle of March through the end of May 2025. SEPTA’s in-house forces will conduct excavation and renewal of the existing corroded and broken rail on 42nd Street between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue. The project will bring parking restrictions and the closing of portions of 42nd Street in phases during the duration of the work. The work is not expected to impact SEPTA subway-surface trolley lines, which will operate in the 40th Street tunnel throughout the project. Please visit septa.org to keep updated as plans may change.

Here is the information on timing and impact of the renewal:

Scope and Schedule

• SEPTA in-house forces will perform this work, which includes the excavation and renewal of the existing corroded and broken rail on 42nd Street between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue.
• Pre-construction work (i.e., welding of rail strings) on 42nd Street will take place the week of March 17, 2025. This preliminary work will result in parking restrictions for residents and businesses.
• Project construction will run from March 30, 2025, through May 31, 2025.
• Note, the intersections of 42nd and Spruce St.; 42nd and Baltimore Ave.; 2nd and Chester Ave.; and 42nd and Woodland Ave. will not be impacted by this project.
• The Route 30 will be detoured during construction. Check for posted signs and visit septa.org for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580- 7800.
• All SEPTA subway–surface trolley lines will operate in the tunnel throughout the duration of this project.

Detour During Construction

• 42nd Street will be closed in segments as crews complete their work.
• One block at a time will be closed. Once the closed streets are completed, they will be reopened.
• Vehicular traffic and parking will be restricted in work areas, especially once excavation has begun.
• Local traffic will be permitted up to the construction zone.
• Posted traffic detours will be erected and maintained in active work zones. Based on how crews progress, motorists can expect the following detours:
  • 42nd Street motorists traveling south will be directed to use 44th Street, Baltimore Avenue, 43rd Street, Chester Avenue and Woodland Avenue.
  • 42nd Street motorists traveling north will be directed to use Woodland Avenue, Chester Avenue, 43rd Street and Spruce Street.
• During work hours, emergency vehicles will have uninterrupted access. Trash collection and other city utilities will likewise have access during the closure.

General Information

• Normal construction hours are – Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. However, there may be weekdays where crews work past 3:30 pm. Occasional weekend work may also be needed to maintain the project’s timeline.
• The existing track structure will be replaced with new rail encased in a rubber boot based on updated track construction guidelines.
• New trolley poles will be installed next to existing poles (in advance of Trolley Modernization).
• Excavating within the city’s aging infrastructure for this type of project, it is not uncommon that crews encounter underground water leaks. When this happens, the Philadelphia Water Department is immediately notified.
• In addition to construction vehicles and equipment, SEPTA will also have a work trailer on site at the northwest corner of 42nd and Spruce.
• Exceptions/Arrangements will be made as required for those with special needs.
• Delivery vehicles will have limited access; drivers may have to park and carry parcels to a specific location.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction.
• Check septa.org for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800.

Benefits

• Reduced vibrations – increased continuity with steel tie construction and increased bonding.
• New and improved track components – smoother ride for trolleys and vehicular traffic.
• New street surface – new concrete/asphalt paving and line painting once work is completed