Work on the Washington Avenue Connector continues, with substantial completion now expected in September. Final inspections and project closeout work will continue into the fall.
What’s Been Completed
During July, crews made major progress throughout the corridor, including:
- Constructing sidewalk bumpouts along the north side of Washington Avenue intersections.
- Installing traffic signal equipment on newly constructed corners.
- Installing mast arms and overhead traffic signals throughout the corridor.
- Completing the asphalt multi-use trail from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard.
- Building an elevated concrete trail crossing at Water Street.
Work Underway
During August, crews began:
- Milling and paving Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard, including cross streets throughout the corridor.
- Replacing damaged utility manholes and resetting them to the finished pavement level for a smoother roadway.
- Installing new traffic signals, mast arms, and overhead signals.
- Building foundations for 16 new streetlights along the north side of Washington Avenue.
- Installing streetlight equipment on existing wood poles and new mast arms.
- Watering and maintaining new trees and plantings throughout the corridor.
What’s Next
Through the remainder of August and into September, crews will focus on the final pieces of construction, including:
- Installing concrete median islands at 4th Street, 3rd Street, Moyamensing Avenue, and 2nd Street.
- Completing the final layer of asphalt paving.
- Adding pavement markings and permanent signage.
- Installing protective delineators around parking-separated bike lanes and median islands.
- Installing new streetlights along the north side of Washington Avenue.
- Removing old traffic signal equipment and completing new signals at each intersection.
The project is anticipated to be completed in September, following a summer construction schedule shaped around major citywide events. Intermittent lane and cross-street closures will continue during paving work in August, followed by final inspections and project closeout activities.
Once complete, the Washington Avenue Connector will create a safer, greener, and more welcoming connection between South Philadelphia and the Delaware River Waterfront.
