PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A half-mile stretch of South Philadelphia’s Washington Avenue is a lot more pedestrian-friendly thanks to a new widened sidewalk and bike trail.
The newly paved trail, lined with trees and streetlights, links up to the Delaware River Trail at the waterfront.
It’s been a years-long effort by the Philadelphia Streets Department and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to beautify and improve safety on Washington Avenue, between Fourth Street and Columbus Boulevard.
City Managing Director Carlton Williams said this is a big milestone for the Queen Village, Southwark and Pennsport communities.
“Whether you’re walking to a local business, heading to a river trail, waiting for a bus, biking or driving to work — no matter how you travel, this project has something for you,” he said.
Adrian Velonis with Philly Bike Action said the area used to be much more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
“There were lots of crashes, lots of injuries. And now, pedestrian crossing distances are shorter, the trail is here for bike users, and the street is still very comfortable for people driving,” he said.
It has also increased accessibility for others.
“Folks in wheelchairs, people who are pushing strollers, older people — this says, ‘We welcome you. We want you here in our park. We want you to be able to travel safely,’” said state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler.
