The streets of Philadelphia are set to become safer, particularly around 47th Street. This initiative, known as the 48th/47th Streets Traffic Safety & Complete Streets Project, is focused on significantly improving road safety and implementing traffic calming measures in the area. While it addresses both 48th and 47th streets, a key area of focus is 47th Street, spanning from Chestnut Street to Paschall Avenue.
This project is a direct response to the high number of traffic incidents recorded in this zone. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the City of Philadelphia is proactively working to redesign these streets to prioritize the safety of all road users.
For 47th Street specifically, the plans are forward-thinking and community-driven. Understanding that 47th Street is a vital artery for local residents and commuters, the project incorporates feedback gathered from several public open houses held in Fall 2023 and Winter 2023/2024. These meetings were crucial for understanding community needs and concerns, ensuring the final street design reflects the desires of those who use 47th Street daily.
Traffic calming measures being evaluated for 47th Street and the surrounding corridors are comprehensive. These aren’t just minor tweaks; we’re talking about potentially transformative changes. Think about the impact of painted corner areas to enhance pedestrian visibility, speed tables to reduce vehicle speeds, and even the conversion of traffic signals to stop signs in appropriate locations to manage traffic flow more effectively. The possibility of separated bike lanes on 47th Street is also under consideration, reflecting a commitment to multi-modal transportation and cyclist safety.
Project Timeline for 47th Street Improvements
Looking ahead, the timeline for improvements on 47th Street is well-defined and progressing steadily.
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Fall 2024: While 48th Street will see the finalization of striping, speed cushions, and repaving of select blocks, 47th Street will be the center of attention for concept development. Focus group meetings and a public meeting are scheduled to present and discuss the concept for the 2025 repaving and traffic safety project affecting 47th Street from Chestnut to Kingsessing Avenue. This phase is crucial for ensuring the 2025 improvements are precisely tailored to the needs of 47th Street.
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Summer 2024: While 48th Street will undergo restriping with its new layout, significant news for 47th Street arrived with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) announcing an award for a Transportation Community Development Initiative (TCDI) Program. This award is specifically for the 48th & Woodland Area Traffic Safety Study, which includes a detailed look at 47th Street from Kingsessing to Paschall Avenues. This study is vital for informing long-term safety strategies for 47th Street.
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Winter 2023: While an open house focused on 48th Street designs, behind the scenes, the groundwork was being laid for 47th Street. Funding applications were submitted for a transportation safety study specifically for the area south of Kingsessing Avenue on 47th Street. This proactive approach demonstrates a phased commitment to improving safety along the entire 47th Street corridor.
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June-September 2023 & Fall 2023: These periods were marked by essential community engagement. City discussions with Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) and community leaders took place to discuss traffic calming broadly. Two open house meetings in Fall 2023 specifically addressed options for both 47th and 48th streets, alongside smaller community discussions to delve into the trade-offs and possibilities for each street. This intensive community consultation phase ensures that the project remains responsive and relevant to the people who live and work near 47th Street.
The 48th/47th Streets Traffic Safety & Complete Streets Project signifies a major step towards creating safer, more accessible streets in Philadelphia. With a strong focus on community input and a phased approach to implementation, particularly for 47th Street, residents can anticipate significant positive changes that will enhance the safety and usability of their streets. The ongoing studies and planned improvements for 47th Street demonstrate a clear commitment to making this vital street safer for everyone.
