Temporary lane closures and parking restrictions expected
PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia Department of Streets and Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) announced today that construction activities have begun on the Old City Market Street Improvement Project. Traffic will be maintained during construction. However, temporary parking restrictions and temporary lane closures are expected throughout the duration of the project. These temporary parking restrictions and lane closures will allow the contractor to safely perform the work.
Starting the week of November 25, the contractor began exploratory excavation for new inlets along the project limits along with removal of existing brick pavers and the placement of temporary asphalt. This work is expected to continue into December and will be followed by new inlet and inlet lateral installation. During these operations, there may be temporary parking restrictions in place to allow the Contractor to have enough room to work while maintaining traffic.
This project was supported by feedback from the surrounding community with the goal of improving the historic corridor for a multimodal future ahead of the United States Semiquincentennial anniversary celebrations in 2026. The project will make multimodal safety improvements on Market Street between 6th Street and 2nd Street, part of the City’s Vision Zero High Injury Network (HIN).
This work includes a rebalancing of travel lanes to better serve all street users, whether they are walking, biking, driving, or taking transit. Travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction with dedicated left turn lanes at cross street intersections. Intersection bump outs and upgraded Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps will be constructed along with new traffic signals. Concrete bump outs at bus stops will be lengthened to improve speed and accessibility of bus boarding. Parking-separated, raised bike lanes will be installed between the parking lane and the sidewalk. The project also includes a curbless plaza design at the intersection of Market Street and 2nd Street.
Motorists should anticipate some traffic delays and allow extra time to travel around the work areas. To complete the work, residents and businesses should expect parking restrictions along the corridor. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs will be posted in advance of each scheduled activity. Cars must be removed from the work sites during the hours posted on the ‘No Parking’ signs to avoid being towed. In the event a car is towed, residents should contact their local Police District to determine its location.
Construction work is expected to be completed by Summer of 2026, in time for celebrations of the country’s 250th birthday. Construction is being performed by C. Abbonizio Contractors of New Jersey. The value of the construction contract is approximately $16 million and is being funded through state Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE), Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), and Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) funds. The project is also receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Land Development (HUD) and the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) via generous contributions from the Independence Historical Trust and Old City District.
The Streets Department and OTIS thank residents and motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation during this project.