Work begins Monday on Washington Ave

The Washington Avenue project begins on Monday.

Construction on the repaving improvement project of one of South Philly’s most heavily traveled roads officially begins on Aug. 29 and is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. However, local residents and motorists could experience some inconveniences as work is completed. 

Temporary street closures begin on Aug. 29 as street resurfacing between 4th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue has already begun with some work performed during overnight hours. The street resurfacing work is expected to be completed by the end of October while the final line striping and safety improvements will continue through the end of the year. 

“After hearing for many years from residents and businesses about issues on Washington Avenue, in particular about issues with paving, traffic safety, parking, crossing the street and riding a bike – we are thrilled repaving is starting next week,” said Deputy Managing Director for Transportation Mike Carroll. “By the end of this year, Washington Avenue will be a much smoother street for all road users with many additional traffic safety improvements within the Second District. We thank neighbors, businesses, City Council, RCOs and community leaders for working with us over the years, and for their patience as the streets department and contractors work through the various phases of the construction project.” 

Work is expected to be completed in four separate phases, which includes street milling, the adjustment of manhole covers and resetting of utility boxes, final asphalt paving and final line striping.

The first phase includes removal of the old asphalt, and will take place during overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Milling along Washington Avenue will start at 4th Street, then continue in the western direction, ending at Grays Ferry Avenue.  
A second phase, utility box and manhole adjustments, will take place during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Final paving operations are part of a third phase, which will take place during overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Temporary paint will be used to mark the line striping to avoid traffic confusion while the work is in progress. 

The first three phases are expected to take two months.
A fourth and final phase will involve final striping of the Washington Avenue corridor from 4th to 11th streets. Additional safety improvements and new parking and loading signs will be installed following final line striping. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 
Temporary roadway closures are anticipated during phase one and two for milling and paving operations during the overnight hours. The roadway will remain open to traffic with temporary flagging during phase three daytime utility box and manhole adjustments. 
Residents are urged to plan ahead and use alternative routes when traveling in these areas.
Temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted in advance of each scheduled activity. Residents are urged to move their cars from the work sites when temporary “No Parking” signs are posted so that vehicles are not towed. In the event a car is towed, residents should contact their local police districts. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling around the work areas. 
Residents follow the progress of their street using the PavePHL tool, the City’s web map paving tracker that allows residents to go online and view the progress of a street scheduled for paving at StreetSmartPHL.phila.gov.

For more information on the City’s paving program, visit www.phila.gov/paving.