The City of Philadelphia and Partners Announce the Official Opening and Completion of Market Street Old City Improvement Project

A new streetscape with traffic safety and accessibility improvements for residents and 250^th anniversary tourists walking, biking, using transit, or driving in the historic district

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined City officials today to announce the official opening and completion of the highly anticipated Market Street Old City Improvement Project. Market Street between 2nd and 6th Streets has been redesigned to better serve everyone, whether they walk, bike, use transit, or drive. These improvements along a key historical corridor make travel safer, easier, and more enjoyable in advance of the nation's 250^th anniversary celebrations. The major improvements also make access to the many restaurants and shops easier and more inviting.

"Market Street has always been one of Philadelphia's most important corridors, and today we're investing in its future," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "These improvements create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming experience for residents, businesses, and visitors while strengthening the connection between Old City and our broader Market East Revival. This is exactly the kind of partnership and progress that helps us build a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia with access to economic opportunity for all."

Wider sidewalks and new sidewalk-level bike lanes make walking and biking in Old City safer and less crowded. New ADA curb ramps and the curbless Plaza at 2nd and Market also make it easier for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to get around. New bus boarding bump-outs create designated spaces for bus riders, increase visibility, and make boarding and exiting the bus easier. High-visibility pavement markings, upgraded traffic signals, and pedestrian signals make intersections clearer for people driving, walking, or biking. New left turn lanes and signals at 3rd and 4th Streets also help keep traffic moving smoothly.

The project also advances Philadelphia's Vision Zero goals of improving traffic safety on city streets. Market Street is part of the City's High Injury Network (HIN) - the 12 percent of city streets with 80 percent of all traffic deaths and serious injuries.

"It has been exciting to watch this project take shape", said Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District). "The Project Team and Old City District have done a great job working with residents and businesses throughout construction, and I am thrilled to see people already making use of the new improvements. Investing in our transportation infrastructure, making it safer and more accessible, will benefit everyone."

This project was initiated by Old City residents and businesses as part of the Vision2026 plan created by Old City District. Planning and engineering design was led by the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and completed by Urban Engineers.

Construction started with a groundbreaking at 2nd and Market in December 2024. Completing the project in a year and a half is an impressive achievement, ensuring the new streetscape would be ready for the nation's 250th anniversary. The Construction phase was led by the Streets Department of Transportation, with inspection services provided by Traffic Planning and Design (TPD), and construction completed by C. Abbonizio Contracting and their subcontractors.

"Old City is excited to celebrate the completion of the Market Street Old City Improvement Project," said Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director, Old City District. "Our shops, restaurants, and cultural destinations are now more accessible than ever. We thank the City and the Project Team for their diligence, and we are grateful to the community and stakeholders for their patience and support. We encourage everyone revisit the area and enjoy a safer, more pedestrian-friendly Market Street!"

In addition to the City's project, SEPTA is reconstructing the head houses at the 2nd Street Station. This project is one of the many ways SEPTA is preparing for this summer's special events. SEPTA's work at 2nd Street Station involved exterior renovations to five headhouses and two elevator enclosures. The scope of work included full facade, glazing, roofing and signage replacement, with upgraded finish materials consisting of porcelain tile, granite coping, standing seam metal roofing, and glass block.

"Old City is home to the most significant volume of assets that shape our understanding of our country's founding, and the Market Street Old City Improvement Project brings better access and wayfinding for residents and tourists alike," said Bill Marrazzo, Board Chair, Independence Historical Trust. "This project was an opportunity for the Independence Historical Trust (INHT) and other nonprofits in Old City to leverage our resources and shared vision for the historic district. Combining transportation and history, INHT secured funding for the new curbless Plaza at 2nd and Market."

This improvement project and the summer events enhance the Market East Revival initiative. Mayor Parker, along with the Department of Planning and Development, is leading The Market East Advisory Group, which unites more than 60 business, civic, development, planning, labor, and government leaders with the common goal of developing a shared vision for Market East and a long-term plan to bring it to fruition.

Today's event kicks off a busy summer for Old City. Philadelphia has been preparing for an influx of visitors in the heart of its historic district as the nation celebrates its 250^th birthday. This summer, the city will welcome people from around the world as it hosts several flagship events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Game.

"All eyes are on Philadelphia this summer," said Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director, City of Philadelphia. "The Parker administration is excited to spotlight what we've long known - that Philadelphia is a world class city. The work done along Market Street in Old City will improve the experience for visitors and Philadelphians alike visiting our historic landmarks this summer and beyond."

Completed work:

• New Complete Street roadway design
• New curbless plaza at 2nd and Market
• Wider sidewalks along Market between 2nd and 5th
• High visibility crosswalks with shorter crossing distances
• 44 new street trees, 68 new shrubs, and new ornamental grass and perennials
• Sidewalk level separated bike lanes on Market between 2nd and 6th
• Relocated Indego Bike Share station at Market and 2nd with 25 docks
• 55 new bike racks along the project corridor
• 4 new concrete bus boarding bump outs, including 2 reinstalled bus shelters
• 36 new curb ramps designed to current ADA standards
• New traffic signals and pedestrian signals along the corridor
• Reconfigured parking with additional loading zones
• 2 new left turn lanes and signals at the 3rd Street and 4th Street intersections

Funding

The value of the construction contract is approximately $16 million and was funded by:

• S. Department of Housing and Land Development (HUD)
• Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) and Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) funds
• City of Philadelphia Vision Zero funds
• Pennsylvania Office of the Budget Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) via generous contributions from the Independence Historical Trust and Old City District

Project Team
Agencies, consultants, and contractors who worked on the project:

• Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS)
• Streets Department of Transportation (StreetsDOT)
• C. Abbonizio Contracting and sub-contractors
• Traffic Planning and Design (TPD)
• Office of Multimodal Planning (OMP)
• Urban Engineers
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Agency (SEPTA)
• Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA)

Project Partners

Elected officials and organizations involved in the project:

• Councilmember Mark Squilla, City Council District 1
• Old City District
• Independence Historic Trust
• Mary Louise Isaacson, PA House District 175
• Senator Nikil Saval, PA Senate District 1
• Congressman Brendan Boyle, US House PA District 2

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