It’s time to replace those worn out overhead wires and tracks in the Center City tunnel, says SEPTA. The tunnel maintenance and construction project is scheduled for August 1-18, 2014 and here’s what it means for West Philly trolley riders:
SEPTA Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 will not operate in the tunnel from 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 through 4 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. Trolley service will begin and end at 40th and Market Streets and passengers are advised to use Market-Frankford Line for travel to and from Center City, as the repair work will not affect that service.
During the so-called “Trolley Tunnel Blitz,” SEPTA crews will work around-the-clock to complete numerous overhead wire, track and station improvement projects, which will help improve safety and service reliability of the trolleys that run through the tunnel, according to SEPTA’s announcement. Some of this work includes replacing nearly 24,000 feet of worn overhead contact wire throughout the tunnel, installing more than 14,000 feet of new rail on the eastbound track, and making numerous station repairs and improvements such as on stairs, lighting and platforms.
You can also say goodbye to the graffiti in the tunnel. The project includes graffiti removal, painting and heavy cleaning at all stations throughout the tunnel.
For more details on the maintenance and construction work scheduled during the Trolley Tunnel Blitz, visit SEPTA’s website.
July 17th, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Didn’t SEPTA close the tunnel for similar work just a year or two ago?
July 17th, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Help! Septa closes the tunnel during the hottest month of the year?!? Great! Thanks Septa.
July 17th, 2014 at 11:27 pm
@red dog. Yup, for 10 days last year … https://www.westphillylocal.com/2013/07/24/trolley-tunnel-to-close-for-a-week-beginning-august-2/
July 28th, 2014 at 11:30 am
it would be better for everyone if Septa ran shuttle buses from the portal to the market street line than if they divert the trolleys. the trolley diversion route takes forever and also blocks automobile traffic on spruce and 38th street. shuttle buses would be quick and efficient.