SEPTA Bus Route 34 Track Work

from the inbox:

Due to a track renewal project, shuttle buses will replace trolleys on SEPTA’s Route 34 from the 40th Street Portal to the 61st Street Loop beginning Sunday, June 17 through Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Track renewal will take place on Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 42nd Street, 49th to 52nd Street, 54th to 55th Street and at the intersection at 58th Street. Some of the track in this area was installed in the early 1980s. Replacement is necessary because the street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to water leaks, traffic and the age of the street structure. SEPTA will excavate, renew and pave approximately 7,500 track feet eastbound and westbound. The new track will result in reduced sound, as the continuous welded rail will eliminate rail joints; reduced vibration because the new rail is incased in an insulated rubber boot; and a smoother ride due to the new track structure also being encased by rubber boot.

The project will be completed in four phases; however, shuttle bus service will be in effect for the entire length of the project. The phases of the project are:

• Phase 1, June 17-July 7, 2012: Reconstruction of both tracks between 40th and 42nd Streets. The entire two-block stretch of Baltimore Avenue in this area will be closed during this phase.

• Phase 2, July 1-August 4, 2012: Reconstruction of both tracks between 49th and 52nd Streets. All construction will be maintained in a moving two-block area.

• Phase 3, July 29-August 18, 2012: Reconstruction of both tracks between 54th and 55th Streets. The entire two-block area of Baltimore Avenue will be closed.

• Phase 4, August 11-September 1, 2012: Reconstruction of both tracks through the intersection of 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue. The intersection will be closed during this final construction phase.

Normal construction hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule. Vehicular traffic, including buses, will be detoured around the construction sites. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction sites. Parking exceptions will be made for those with special needs. Access for businesses will be arranged.