For the past several months, rail conditions have caused SEPTA to impose slower trolley speeds, between 41st Street and 49th street along Chester Avenue. These restrictions have increased travel times, but the safety of our customers is our primary concern.
The overall age of the existing track, which dates back to 1946, combined with years of sporadic maintenance by a variety of street construction projects have further compromised the road and track areas. This area can no longer be patched and SEPTA determined that a comprehensive reconstruction program is required.
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An example of the track condition along Chester Avenue.
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In an effort to improve conditions along the route, our internal Engineering Maintenance staff developed the Chester Avenue Reconstruction Project to rebuild the track and renew the paved areas surrounding the rail to ensure the safe operation of trolley service at normal travel speeds. When completed, there will be an entirely resurfaced area with clear benefits:
- Reduced noise and vibration to surrounding community
- Reduction in stray electrical currents that damage underground utilities
- Elimination of all rail joints by using a continuously welded rail that will provide a smoother trolley ride
- Safer, smoother roadway surface for motorists
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Two factors will contribute to the smoother ride – continuously welded rail and a rubber boot encased around the rail.
Long time riders may be familiar with the “clickety-clack” sound a trolley car makes as it travels down the street running over numerous sections of rail. The continuously welded rail creates an unbroken surface for the trolley to run on, which results in a smoother ride. |
New track will be continuously welded to create a smoother ride.
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Encasing the rail in a rubber boot muffles the residual vibration created by a moving trolley car, improving the quality and the quiet of the ride.
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These switches at 42nd & Chester will be replaced along with
a cleanly paved intersection.
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At 42nd Street & Chester Avenue, switches exist to accommodate the multiple movements of trolley cars through the area. Part of this project replaces the work with new track and a cleanly paved intersection.
In the first phase of the project, construction is taking place in a two-block zone between 41st and 42nd Streets. While this work is under way, Route 13 will be detoured over Woodland Avenue. The street will be closed to all other vehicular traffic.
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This project is necessary in order to maintain safe operations and
keeping our track infrastructure in a state of good repair.
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We realize this work and the street detour impacts not only our riders but our neighbors in the community, but maintaining safe operations and our track infrastructure in a state of good repair is a top priority for SEPTA Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations staff. This work is necessary to improve travel conditions on Chester Avenue and to keep our customers moving.
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Work crews during the beginning stages of the Chester Avenue Reconstruction Project.
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