If you’ve been near Washington Avenue recently, you’ve probably noticed a lot of activity. Crews are hard at work making significant upgrades to the streetscape, sidewalks, and bike paths—all designed to make this corridor safer, greener, and more welcoming for everyone.
Here’s a look at what’s been done, what’s happening next, and what you can expect when it’s all complete.
What’s Been Completed:
The project is officially underway, and several significant steps have already been taken:
- Contractors are fully mobilized, with equipment and staging areas set up.
- Old curblines have been sawcut to prepare for the new layout.
- Trees along the future multi-use path have been carefully removed to make way for new plantings.
- Conduits for new streetlights are in place.
- The Philadelphia Streets Department completed a detailed layout from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard.
- Demolition is nearly finished on the south side of Washington Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, right by Jefferson Square Park.
What This Means for Traffic:
As construction moves forward, a right-lane closure will remain in place on the south side of Washington Avenue. This closure is around-the-clock to ensure a safe distance between vehicles, cyclists, and the active work zone.
- The lane closure ends at the edge of each work area.
- Streets Department inspectors and traffic staff monitor the closure daily to keep cars moving and to make sure pedestrians and cyclists have safe passage.
What’s Next:
The most exciting changes are still to come. Over the next few weeks, you’ll see the following improvements begin to take shape:
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Safer Intersections: A newly aligned corner with a protective concrete island will be added at Washington Avenue and 4th Street, keeping cyclists safer from turning traffic.
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New Pathways: The former slip lane near Jefferson Square will be transformed into a wide, welcoming sidewalk and a smooth asphalt multi-use path for biking and walking.
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Greener Spaces: Crews will begin excavating for seven tree pits and five planter boxes along the new path. These will eventually hold 17 new trees and native plants that will serve as a gateway to Jefferson Square Park, part of nearly 50 new trees coming to the project overall.
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Accessibility Upgrades: New ADA ramps will be installed at every crossing.
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Brighter Lighting: Conduits for eight decorative pedestrian lights and six modern LED streetlights are being placed now, with installation to follow.
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Improved Infrastructure: New drainage inlets and hydrants will be added at 3rd and 4th Streets in partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department.
We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the Washington Avenue Connector. This project represents a significant step toward creating a safer, greener, and more connected route to the Delaware River Waterfront for all Philadelphians.
The next official update will be shared in October, so stay tuned!
