For the past year and a half, the usual sounds of the El train at 8th Street have been joined by the echoes of construction crews working to rehabilitate and upgrade the infrastructure and station amenities of this busy Market Frankford Line station. Located in the heart of Center City, SEPTA, with contracts awarded to third-party contractors, has embarked on a $9.5 million Improvement Project at 8th Street to create a technologically modern, ADA accessible stop.
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The centerpiece of the rehabilitated 8th Street Station is the
elevator at the northeast corner of 8th & Market Street.
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The centerpiece of this project was the recently completed and now operational elevator installed on the northeast corner of 8th & Market Street, which provides access to the westbound fare line for customers traveling towards 69th Street. At street level, the elevator is located in a brand new structure built with a tastefully curved roof designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape. Our Route 17 and 33 bus customers also now have a brand new shelter, connected to the elevator, to protect them from the elements.
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The corner of 8th & Market now has elevator access to the westbound platform.
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Two new accessible ramps have been constructed to connect the eastbound and westbound fare lines, and the fare lines have been upgraded to facilitate wheelchair customers’ access to the platform areas. Both station platforms were raised to meet the height of the El cars and eliminate the gap and tactile safety edging was installed. All lighting in the station has been upgraded to brighten the platform area, and a new Audio Visual/Public Address system installed, for enhanced service announcements to customers.
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Enhancements to the platform area provide customers with improved safety and security.
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Extensive concrete and steel repairs were made to protect the station enhancements. In addition, a new drainage system was installed under Market Street to carry surface water away from the station. The new forced-air ventilation system will improve the flow of air into the station from street level.
In an effort to keep our customers mobile, the improvements to 8th Street Station were all completed while the station remained in service. Extensive portions of the construction job were completed during late-night hours, requiring the partial closure of platform areas, while allowing regular operation of the El to continue. SEPTA thanks its riders for their patience as work continues to upgrade the facilities along the Market-Frankford Subway Elevated Line.
