Overview
An overhead catenary system (OCS) is a method of providing electricity to rail vehicles using elevated wire. In Philadelphia, the railroad was originally electrified by The Pennsylvania Railroad and is now part of SEPTA’s Regional Rail system. The existing catenary design relies on outdated hardware that requires replacement.
In the second quarter of 2025, SEPTA crews began a project to upgrade the existing OCS in the Regional Rail system and replace it with entirely new materials. Additional infrastructure improvements to the area are also planned. Overall, this work will result in increasing resiliency, reliability and operation flexibility.
The updates will be made to four operating tracks, Track 1 through Track 4, carrying service on the Paoli/Thorndale Line, Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line and the Trenton Line. There are also 17 yard tracks within Powelton Yard that will be improved; additional yard expansion tracks will aid construction.
Beyond the OCS replacement, infrastructure improvements will be made to fix original retaining walls through the project limits, along with drainage and repairs to the 36th Street tunnel.
May 16 Project Webinar Recording
To learn more about the SEPTA 30th to Kay Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Replacement Project, watch the recording of our May 16, 2024 Public webinar.
Timeline
Construction will start in April 2027; estimated project completion is May 2035.
The work will take place beginning from the eastern limits of the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station through the existing SEPTA Powelton Yard, extending westerly to the limits of Mantua Avenue & 37th Street.
Objectives
- Replacement of Aging Railroad Infrastructure
- Improved System Resilience
- Improved System Reliability
- Operational Enhancements
- Drainage Improvements
- Reduction in Rail Service Disruptions
- Add switch heaters throughout Powelton Yard
Project Location
The area of the project is located at SEPTA’s Powelton Yard, which is located in West Philadelphia. It is bounded approximately by William H. Gray III 30th Street Station on the east and the Philadelphia Zoo on the west, as indicated below.
The limits of the work run from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station to the SEPTA/Amtrak interface at K Interlocking and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station to the SEPTA/Amtrak interface at Zoo Interlocking. All of Powelton Yard is included.
Building a Best-in-Class Public Transit System
SEPTA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan is our guide for transforming SEPTA from a back-to-basics to best-in-class public transit system. Covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, it serves as a roadmap for daily action with measurable performance indicators and a commitment to transparently report on our progress.
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