Philadelphia is beginning to work on three new traffic safety projects: 

These projects are funded by Vision Zero capital funds and by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Automatic Speed Enforcement (ASE) Program. The money comes from speed camera fines in Philadelphia and is being used to make streets safer. 

This funding is an important step forward for all three projects. 

Aramingo Avenue (Allegheny Avenue to Wheatsheaf Lane) 

The City has talked with many residents and business owners. They shared safety concerns and ideas for improvement. More than 1,000 people gave feedback through meetings, open houses, and surveys. Their input helped shape the design. 

Key design elements include: 

  • Concrete medians to reduce crashes and help people cross safely 
  • Dedicated left-turn arrows at intersections  
  • Raised bike lanes and repaired sidewalks 
  • Raised crosswalks on side streets 
  • Bumpouts to shorten crossing distances and slow turning cars. Bumpouts are sidewalk extensions into the street. 
  • Speed cushions to reduce speeding 
  • Bus shelters and street trees to improve comfort and quality of life 

ASE funding will pay for early engineering and detailed design. The first phase will occur between Westmoreland Street and Wheatsheaf Lane. Work will begin in Fall 2026. This area has had many serious crashes because the wide lanes encourage speeding and many people walk here. The City will keep the community updated as the design moves forward. This phase should be finished in 2027. 

During this time, the City will also look for construction funding. Construction will begin once funding is secured. For information on the Aramingo Avenue Traffic Safety Project, visit the project website.  

Lehigh Avenue (Kensington Avenue to American Street) 

The City worked with residents, businesses, and community groups to make this section of Lehigh Avenue safer. More than 900 people shared feedback through events, workshops, surveys, and conversations. Their input helped shape improvements for safety and transit access. 

Key design elements for this segment of Lehigh Avenue include:   

  • Bumpouts to shorten crossings and protect people biking 
  • Pedestrian timed lights for safer crossings 
  • Parking separated bike lanes 
  • Concrete medians for safer crossings 
  • Improved traffic signals, including left turn arrows, upgraded equipment, and better timing 

The project is now moving into engineering and detailed design. After that, the City will create a plan to build the improvements in phases. The City will continue seeking funding as it becomes available. 

For information on the Aramingo Avenue Traffic Safety Project and to receive updates, visit the project website.  

Lehigh Avenue (Kensington Avenue to Aramingo Avenue) 

The City is designing this part of Lehigh Avenue to be safer. This is in response to many community conversations. More than 600 people shared feedback through listening sessions, surveys, and conversations. 

Key design elements considered for this segment of Lehigh Avenue include: 

  • Bumpouts for safer crossings and better bike protection 
  • Concrete medians to reduce crashes 
  • Dedicated bike signals and separated bike lanes. This will improve safety at intersections. 
  • Lane reductions to slow speeding and aggressive driving 
  • Improved traffic signals, including left turn arrows, upgraded equipment, and improved signal timings 

Another round of community engagement will happen during the engineering phase. The City will create a phased construction plan once engineering is complete. The City will continue seeking funding. The project will also include the 2700 block of Aramingo Avenue (from Lehigh Avenue to Somerset Street). This builds on PennDOT’s upcoming work to add concrete separation to the bike lane. 

For information on the Lehigh Avenue traffic safety improvements and to receive updates, visit the project website.  

The Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) and ASE programs make these projects possible. To learn more about these programs, visit PennDOT’s website.  

Stay up to date on the Aramingo Avenue Project