SEPTA Track Renewal Project Coming to Lancaster Avenue in 2026

On Monday, July 7th, SEPTA in-house crews welded rail strings in advance of a more comprehensive trolley track renewal project. The rail welding was performed on the southern side of Lancaster Avenue between 40th Street and Wallace Street.

Now that the welding is completed, the rail strings have been secured and staged. In March of 2026, SEPTA in-house forces will begin the excavation and renewal of the existing corroded and broken rail on Lancaster Avenue between 40th Street and Spring Garden Street.

Lancaster Avenue will be closed between 40th Stret and Brandywine Street for the duration of project. Haverford Avenue at its intersection with Lancaster Avenue will also be closed. The existing track structure will be replaced with new rail encased in a rubber boot based on updated track construction guidelines, and new trolley poles will be installed next to existing poles in advance of Trolley Modernization.

DETOUR DURING CONSTRUCTION

• Vehicular traffic and parking will be restricted in the work area, as track evcavation will make conditions unsafe for travel
• Route 43 will be detoured and shuttle buses will be substituted for the T1. Check for posted signs. Check septa.org for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800
• Posted traffic detours will be erected and maintained in the construction zone, with motorists directed to use Wallace Street, 39th Street, Spring Garden Street, and 42nd Street
• Exceptions/Arrangements will be made as required for those with special needs
• Local traffic will be permitted up to the construction zone
• Emergency vehicles will have uninterrupted access
• Trash collection and other city utilities will likewise have access
• Crew members will do their best to accommodate business deliveries.
• Some vehicles may have limited access; drivers may have to park and carry parcels to a specific location

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Normal construction hours are – Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. However, there may be weekdays where crews work past 3:30 pm. Occasional weekend work may also be needed to maintain the project’s timeline
• Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction
• Excavating within the city’s aging infrastructure for this type of project, it is not uncommon that crews encounter underground water leaks. When this happens, the Philadelphia Water Department is immediately notified
• All SEPTA subway–surface trolley lines will operate in the tunnel throughout the duration of this project
• In addition to construction vehicles and equipment, SEPTA will also have a work trailer on site at the northwest corner of 42nd and Spruce streets
• Check septa.org for travel information or call Customer Service at 215-580-7800

BENEFITS

• Reduced vibrations and increased continuity with steel tie construction and increased bonding
• New and improved track components making for a smoother ride for trolleys and vehicular traffic
• New street surface including new concrete and asphalt paving and line painting once work is completed