Major Roadwork to Close 9th Street in Center City Philadelphia

Beginning on October 20, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will close 9th Street at Vine Street in Center City Philadelphia for significant roadway and utility construction. This closure is part of an $8.5 million safety improvement initiative and will remain in effect around the clock until February 3, 2026.

The closure will impact traffic flow in the area, with detours implemented for both northbound and southbound motorists. Northbound drivers will be redirected to Arch Street, 11th Street, and Vine Street, while southbound traffic will follow Callowhill Street or Ridge Avenue, then 10th Street and Vine Street. These changes are scheduled to begin on November 3, 2023.

Project Scope and Benefits

The construction project aims to enhance safety and accessibility in the area. Plans include reducing lanes on Vine Street, upgrading traffic signals, adding ADA-compliant ramps, and introducing dedicated bike lanes. Additionally, the existing roadway will undergo repaving to improve overall conditions.

Local officials emphasize the importance of this project for the community. The enhancements are designed to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists while improving traffic flow.

Given the scale of the project, all activities will be subject to weather conditions, potentially causing further adjustments to the timeline.

For the latest updates and detailed detour information, residents and commuters are encouraged to visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center. This resource will provide real-time traffic updates and help navigate the changes during the construction period.

As this project unfolds, it represents a significant investment in Philadelphia’s infrastructure, aiming to provide long-term benefits to the city’s transportation network.