PennDOT is completing rehabilitation work on the Market Street bridges over Amtrak and I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), the Schuylkill River and Trail and CSX Railroad, as well as preservation improvements to the Walnut Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River. The project will make the bridges smoother and easier to travel on and includes the installation of a protected bicycle lane. This work started in March 2025 and is scheduled to be complete in April 2029. More information is available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
In addition, during the same time frame, PECO Energy Company will be installing a vault – an underground structure that provides access to utilities – in three stages: first on the south side of Market followed by the north side, and finally, the middle.
Impact on Riders
The following bus routes will be detoured for approximately one year, beginning August 24, 2026.
- Route 31
- Route 44
- Route 49
- Route 124
- Route 125
- L1 Owl
Look for posted signs. Check SEPTA’s Alerts and Detours page for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800.
A map illustrating the detours will be made available soon.
Impact on Area Traffic
The rehabilitation project will require partial detours on Market Street and Walnut Street. This includes closing Market Street to vehicular traffic from August 2026 to October 2027, about 14 months. Weekend closures of portions of I-76 will occur, and cyclists will be directed to use the Chestnut and Walnut Street bike network.
For additional details about detours that may affect motorists, please visit the project page on the city’s website. Maps are available by selecting “Traffic Control and Detour Plans (PDF)” in the sidebar.
Project Details
- Deteriorated bridge decks and sidewalks will be replaced.
- The existing four-span bridge over the trail and CSX will be replaced with a single-span bridge.
- Repairs will be made to the river walls and the pedestrian staircase connecting the Schuylkill River Trail and JFK Boulevard.