PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney and State Senator Sharif Street today announced changes to the project at Broad, Germantown, and Erie (BGE). Over the last four years, the City has been working with neighbors around the BGE intersection to design and implement changes with the goal of improving safety, strengthening commerce and supporting neighborhood businesses, providing better connections to public transit, and honoring local history and culture.
Community engagement over 18 months resulted in two sets of potential improvements – one set on which there was broad consensus, and one for which additional discussions would be helpful.
To move forward on the improvements where there was consensus and to allow for additional conversation regarding other improvements, the City is implementing the improvements in two phases. Phase One will focus on improvements to Erie Avenue, SEPTA station ADA accessibility, and public space improvements at Butler Triangle.
“Transformation of the intersection at Broad, Germantown and Erie remains a top priority for our administration and I’m excited for the implementation of Phase One of this major project,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This project will bring safety and accessibility improvements for the thousands of transit riders, neighbors, and shoppers who visit this intersection every day.”
Additional work being done in Phase One will include:
- Erie Avenue track removal.
- Erie Avenue bus lanes, improved bus stops, and protected bike lanes.
- Pedestrian safety improvements at several intersections including shorter and safer crosswalks, new line striping paint, and new pavement.
- Elevator to Erie Station providing ADA-accessibility to Broad Street Line.
- Park at Butler Triangle with landscaping, seating, and lighting.
The City has committed $2.75 million to Phase One of the BGE project. This investment, with support of State partners, will allow Phase One to be substantially completed by 2023.
The City expects to begin construction on Phase One in 2022 and will be further coordinating with SEPTA on the construction of an ADA accessible elevator at Erie Station.
Phase Two of the project will be focused on Germantown Avenue and will further study traffic safety and the operation of traffic. Phase Two will include additional engagement with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to seek consensus on pedestrian safety and traffic safety and flow improvements – reconsidering whether the previously proposed changes still meet the goals of the project or whether there are other possibilities that would enhance this project.
Phase Two will be developed in partnership with State Senator Sharif Street, PennDOT, and other project partners and will be informed by continued, extensive community engagement and collaboration.
Throughout the BGE project, the goal has been to reflect the vision that the community has for their neighborhood into the upgraded public spaces and safety features at the Broad, Germantown, and Erie intersection.
By phasing this project and committing the funding, the community’s vision for a safer, stronger Broad, Germantown, and Erie in the future will be accomplished.
More information about the project, including phasing and design, can be found online.