SEPTA’s efforts to tackle critical safety, security and infrastructure needs along the Market-Frankford Line Stations are continuing with work at the Allegheny Station. This follows successful efforts to address similar needs at the nearby Somerset Station (https://www.septa.org/media/releases/2021/4-1-21.html), and the implementation of a new security plan.
Allegheny Station will remain open while work is performed, however, early closures are scheduled for three nights starting late next week. From Friday, April 23, through Sunday, April 25, the station will close each night at 8 pm and reopen for service at 5 am the following day. This will give crews a full eight-hours between closing and the morning reopening for intensive cleaning efforts, as well as maintenance and repair work.
Customers who would normally board or exit at Allegheny Station during these hours on April 23-25 should use Somerset or Tioga Stations. Free transfers to the Route 3 bus will be available to allow customers who normally board at Allegheny Station to access the Market-Frankford Line at either Somerset or Tioga stations.
Elevators at Allegheny Station will close starting at 8 pm. On April 23 and will remain out of service until repairs are completed. A timeline for repairs will then be developed, and a reopening date for the elevators will be announced as soon as details are available. Elevators will remain in service at neighboring Tioga and Somerset Stations, and SEPTA bus service is fully ADA accessible.
“The work at Allegheny Station is part of SEPTA’s comprehensive commitment to address issues at stations where there are significant challenges with the vulnerable population that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This has been particularly acute at Market-Frankford Line stations along the Kensington Avenue Corridor, so that is where we are initially concentrating our resources,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “These are complex issues, and we will continue to work with all of our partners on meaningful short- and long-term solutions.”
In response, SEPTA has initiated emergency maintenance and repair work to mitigate damage from urination, human waste, discarded needles and other debris. Efforts have focused on reinforcing key structures, including those supporting stairs and passenger crossovers, along with installing enhanced lighting, new signage, painting and deep cleaning.
SEPTA Transit Police are assigned to these stations throughout the service day and are working closely with social outreach specialists to connect those in need to substance use treatment, behavioral health services and other assistance. Security guards have also been added to augment the enhanced policing, and SEPTA is working with community leaders and City officials to coordinate efforts.
SEPTA will continue to provide progress updates and other information at www.septa.org.