PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The westbound lanes of Market Street are closed in Old City because of a construction project that is expected to last up to three months.
The closure, on the westbound side of Market Street between Second and Sixth streets, went into effect on Monday. There was a big machine hammering away before 7 a.m., and orange cones and “Road Closed” signs sat along the street. Piles of debris and construction vehicles are fenced off.
As the work takes place, only the eastbound lanes on Market Street are open to traffic. And it is a squeeze, as only one lane is open from Fifth to Front streets. SEPTA bus route stops on Market Street were moved, but the Second and Fifth Street L stations will remain open during construction. There will be temporary elevator and stairway closures.
Construction crews are building new curbs, sidewalks, handicap ramps and bus stop bump-outs. Plus, they will be doing electrical and fiber optic work as new traffic signals will be installed. All of this work is being done ahead of the country’s 250th birthday and all of the celebrations and events in the historic district next year.
“So there is a crunch to get this project and other projects in the area finished before the world arrives,” said Job Itzkowitz, executive director of the Old City District. “We want the neighborhood looking its best in time for 2026.”
But the work to improve Market Street started more than a decade ago. The Old City District had a Vision 2026 plan to prepare the neighborhood for the future and attract more residents, workers and visitors. A survey of residents, business and property owners, visitors and others showed that making the neighborhood more pedestrian, cyclist and transit-friendly would be beneficial.
The new bike lanes, for example, would be pedestrian grade.
“That means the bike lane is at the same height as the sidewalk. It will preserve parking and loading on both sides of the street, so that creates not only an elevated bike lane, but a bike lane that is protected by cars,” Itzkowitz said.
While construction-related traffic delays and issues are inevitable, helping the situation is the fact that westbound traffic on Market Street has historically been lighter than eastbound traffic, Itzkowitz explained.
Still, some business owners have expressed concern that their bottom lines will take a hit because of reduced foot traffic and people avoiding the area for the next few months. To combat that, the Old City District has made an effort to get the word out that the shops and restaurants are open for business. The district posted updated signs around the neighborhood and hired social media influencers to highlight the shops and restaurants and show they are open.
Gary Ginsberg, with Shirt Corner/SuitLab, a decades-old clothing store near Third and Market streets, said they would offer a summer sale to get people in the door.
Business owners can also apply for a grant from The Merchants Fund for up to $20,000.
“It can help with costs, it can help with rent, utilities, and help get through this period of time,” Itzkowitz said.
Ultimately, though, he said, continued support from the community will make a difference.
“I know we will emerge from this, but we’re dependent on the support from customers who care about the businesses in Old City.”
While there is a three-month timeline for the work to be completed, the city said fencing will be removed and lanes of traffic will reopen as progress is made along the way.