Route for Change

The Roosevelt Boulevard: Route for Change program will create a safe, reliable, and accessible Roosevelt Boulevard in North and Northeast Philadelphia. The program partners include the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and SEPTA.

The Route for Change program will include three major phases:

  • The Boulevard Today – projects to be completed by 2027
  • The Boulevard Tomorrow – traffic safety and transit improvements to be completed by 2031
  • The Boulevard Reimagined – road design and transit services that will change the look and feel of the Boulevard after 2040

The Boulevard Today: New Bus Stations

The City has completed construction of new bus stations on Roosevelt Blvd. These new stations will be served by limited-stop bus service. They will improve connections between Frankford Transit Center and Wissahickon Transit Center. New stations are located on both sides of Roosevelt Blvd at the following locations:

  • Broad Street
  • Rising Sun Avenue
  • Tower Center (Langdon Street)
  • Pratt Street

These stations include extra-large bus shelters, pedestrian lighting, information kiosks, and street trees. SEPTA will build more stations along Hunting Park Avenue and Ridge Avenue in 2026. Additionally, a new local bus shelter opened on the northbound side of Roosevelt Boulevard at 9th Street. More local bus shelters are being planned. Design continues on Roosevelt Blvd bus lanes between Bustleton Avenue and Southampton Road. Installation will begin in early 2027.

What to expect: Expanded limited-stop bus service will begin in 2027. In the meantime, bus stations will be open to riders using other routes that serve Roosevelt Blvd.

The Boulevard Today: Crossover Improvements

Roosevelt Blvd is known for its separated “inner” and “outer” lanes that are connected by “crossover” lanes. Some crossovers can be both confusing and dangerous. This winter, PennDOT will begin work to improve crossovers at five locations between Cottman Avenue and Red Lion Road. Crossover lanes will be extended to make them safer and less congested. Pedestrian crossings near the crossovers will be upgraded with new signals, ADA curb ramps, and crosswalks.

The five locations on Roosevelt Blvd are:

  • Revere/Faunce Street
  • Strahle Street
  • Winchester Avenue
  • Michener Street
  • Fulmer Street

What to expect:  Drainage work around the crossovers will begin this winter. Full construction starting in Spring 2026.  Sign up for PennDOT District 6 news to receive updates on any traffic impacts.

The Boulevard Tomorrow

Engineering continues on a 12-mile traffic safety and transit improvement project on Roosevelt Boulevard. It is set to run from Broad Street to Old Lincoln Highway in Bensalem, Bucks County. The $78 million project is federally funded with state speed camera grant support. Improvements will benefit pedestrians, drivers, transit users, and bicyclists. Especially at some of Roosevelt Boulevard’s most dangerous intersections.

What to expect:  Public meetings are planned for the first half of 2026. Construction will begin in 2028.

Learn more about the Complete Streets program