The Washington Avenue Connector is an exciting street enhancement that DRWC is developing to provide a safer, greener Washington Avenue that better connects the residents and visitors of South Philadelphia to the Delaware River Waterfront.
In 2018, DRWC unveiled concepts for the improvements to Washington Avenue that were based on close coordination with project stakeholders and community input. The vision for the project, which encompasses Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard, involves repurposing excess roadway for pedestrians, bicycles, and public use in order to make the roadway safer, more accessible, and more beautiful. Since then, DRWC has been diligently designing, permitting, and fundraising for project implementation.
With costs for the 2018 concepts in the $10M range, DRWC has been designing and fundraising for a feasible scope of work that realizes the community’s vision for Washington Avenue. DRWC is currently securing the final approvals for this initial phase of work, anticipated to cost approximately $5M, with the intent to start construction in 2023 if the necessary funding is in place.
Phase 1 upgrades will include:
The upgrades to Washington Avenue prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety along and across Washington Avenue. At four (4) locations, concrete pedestrian islands will be installed in the center median. Wherever possible, the plans shorten the crossing widths along and across the corridor.
The following table summarizes these shortened distances:
Bicycle enhancements: Designed to integrate with the newly completed Delaware River Trail along Columbus Boulevard, as well as the City’s plans for a redesigned Washington Avenue from 26th Street to 4th Street. DRWC’s project will include a westbound parking-protected bike and a curb-separated, multi-use path on the south side of the Avenue.
Vehicle enhancements: DRWC will mill, resurface and restripe Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard according to City-approved and PennDOT-approved designs. New traffic signals will also be installed as a part of the project to enable better signal timing across the corridor.
Additional landscape investments, trees, raised planters, benches, and tables are planned for the public spaces at either end of the corridor. As more funding becomes available, DRWC intends to add additional trees and amenities along the entire stretch.
Review more detailed plan views for Phase 1 and Full Build scenarios.
For questions about the Washington Avenue Connector project, email WAC@drwc.org.
