Crews will excavate and renew corroded and broken rail on 42nd Street between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue. The new components and paving should result in fewer vibrations and a smoother ride for trolleys and vehicular traffic.
Project Location and Hours
The work takes place on 42nd Street between Spruce Street and Woodland Avenue from March 30 through May 31, 2025.
Staging of rail and other materials begins the week of March 17 within the work limits.
Normal construction hours are 7 am to 3:30 pm Mondays – Fridays. 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.
Impact on Riders
Subway–Surface Trolleys [T1 – T5] will operate in the tunnel throughout the duration of this project.
The Route 30 bus will be detoured during construction. Eastbound will be detoured via Walnut St and Baltimore Ave. Westbound will be detoured via Chester Ave and Chestnut St. Check for posted signs. Check SEPTA’s Alerts and Detours page for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800.
Impact on Area Traffic
Pedestrian access to businesses will be arranged to be open during construction.
Vehicular parking will not be permitted in the construction zone or adjacent to the tracks being reconstructed. Signs will be posted in advance. Exceptions may 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.
Preliminary work ahead of the start date could result in some loss of parking.
Once work begins:
- 42nd Street will be closed in one-to-two block sections. As a new section is closed, the completed section will be reopened as SEPTA in-house crews progress along 42nd Street.
- No work will be performed within the following intersections: 42nd and Spruce St., 42nd and Baltimore Ave., 42nd and Chester Ave. and 42nd and Woodland Ave.
- In addition to construction vehicles and equipment, SEPTA will also have a work trailer on site at the northwest corner of 42nd and Spruce.
- Vehicular traffic will be restricted in the work areas.
- Emergency vehicles will have uninterrupted access. Trash collection and other city utilities will continue to have access during the closures.
- All side streets in the affected construction areas will be closed to thru traffic. Local traffic will be permitted up to the construction site.
- Posted traffic detours will be erected and maintained around the work area in progress.
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.
Check www.septa.org for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800.
Project 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.