SEPTA Trolley Route 13 Service Diverted In Southwest Philadelphia Due To Track Improvement Project

October 5, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTA Route 13 subway-surface trolley service will be detoured from its regular route in Southwest Philadelphia beginning Monday, October 8 due to necessary track improvement work scheduled to begin on Chester Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets.

The trolley service will be detoured to operate east and westbound via the subway-surface trolley tunnel to Woodland Avenue and 49th Street to Chester Avenue until December 22. In addition, SEPTA will operate shuttle bus service in place of the trolleys on Chester Avenue between 40th and 49th Streets. Riders may transfer from the shuttle buses to trolleys at 40th and 49th Street for free.

During the initial phase of the construction project Chester Avenue will also be closed to automobile traffic between 40th and 42nd Streets for about three weeks. Side streets will also be closed to thru traffic but local traffic will be permitted up to the construction area.SEPTA will announce additional construction detours as the work progresses.

The project is scheduled to replace more than 4,000 feet of rail, some dating back to the 1940’s.The street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to water leaks, traffic and the overall age of the existing street surface, requiring increased maintenance to operate safe and reliable trolley service.The construction project will provide a smoother ride for Route 13 passengers and automobile drivers.

For additional information call SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.