SEPTA Work on Route 15 Trolley

from our friends at SEPTA:

SEPTA will conduct a track renewal project on a portion of its Route 15 trolley line from June 14-September 19, 2015. The track in this area was installed in the 1950s. 

The project will take place on Girard Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets and from just east of Frankford Avenue to Susquehanna Avenue. Track replacement is necessary because the street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to weather, traffic and the age of the road surface. SEPTA will excavate and replace approximately 9,800 track feet and repave the track area. 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 and improved track components. 

Buses will replace trolleys along the entire Route 15 from June 14-September 5, 2015. Trolleys will return between Frankford and Delaware Avenues and 63rd Street and Girard Avenue on September 6. Shuttle buses currently in use between Richmond Street and Allegheny Avenue and Front Street and Girard Avenue due to PennDOT construction will continue to operate in place of trolleys. 

The project will progress in moving three-block sections. Work will take place first along the section of Girard Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets and then move to the area just east of Frankford Avenue to Susquehanna Avenue. Normal construction hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule.

Girard Avenue will remain open during the track renewal project; work will be kept within the trolley and travel lanes. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction sites. Parking will not be permitted in the area or adjacent to the tracks being reconstructed, however, exceptions will be made for those with special needs. Walking access for businesses will be arranged.