Press Releases

PATCO News & Information - Archives

PATCO Launches $2 Million Project to Replace Subway Vents

Daytime access to affected Center City sidewalks will be restricted between July and December
 
PATCO will begin construction in Center City Philadelphia this summer as it launches a $1.96 million project to replace and modify sidewalk and curb subway vents.
  
Work is slated to begin on July 17 at the corner of Locust and Bouvier streets, about one block from the PATCO station at 18th and Locust streets.  PATCO expects the Philadelphia portion of the project to end in December.  Vent replacement in Camden, N.J. is scheduled to take place in spring 2014.
 
“We apologize in advance to our Center City neighbors for the construction noise and sidewalk obstructions,” said PATCO General Manager John Rink.  “We’re confident, however, that these improvements will support the local economy by adding value for PATCO rail passengers who work, shop and transact business in Center City.”
 
Most of the construction will take place from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., and will advance at a rate of approximately one block per week, weather permitting.  Construction will take place in three parts of Center City:

• Eighth Street from Locust Street north to Race Street;
• Locust Street from 18th Street east to Eighth Street; and
• Franklin Square from Eighth Street east to Sixth Street.

People in the affected areas should expect to hear noise from construction equipment and encounter sidewalk barriers designed to keep vehicles and pedestrians from entering work zones.  On-site construction personnel will help pedestrians reach businesses or residences located on blocks where work is underway.
 
Construction crews will be working only on subway vents that serve the PATCO commuter rail line.  Vents owned or maintained by other transit authorities or by the City of Philadelphia will not be included in this project.
 
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact PATCO directly at 856-772-6900.

[ Return to List ]