PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Roosevelt Boulevard is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country, according to experts. Now there is a plan to transform it by 2040, with both short-term and long-term goals.
"For many, many, many years and many people who said people we're going too fast on this Roosevelt Boulevard, it's true. We have all the data," said Latanya Bird, one of the founders of Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia. She lost four members of her family in one crash on the boulevard.
Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for Philadelphia's transportation and infrastructure systems, said with significant community engagement, the city presented ideas, listened to feedback, and refined designs to develop a safer Roosevelt Boulevard.
"We have taken the time to define the diverse values and aspirations of the diverse communities along Roosevelt Boulevard," he said.
Short-term goals the city plans to reach by 2025 include a major intersection redesign at the intersection of Somerdale and Adams.
"We believe [the redesign] will also make the boulevard much safer for everyone, whether you were driving, taking transit, or walking along the boulevard or crossing its streets," he said.
Another short-term goal is increasing the 90-second signal cycle to 120 seconds in order to give pedestrians more time to cross.
Long-term goals to reach by 2040 include four below-ground expressway lanes — two northbound and two southbound.
Mayor Jim Kenney said the city is ready to partner with the Biden administration on ways to support and improve Roosevelt Boulevard.