118496 | The Woodland Avenue Trolley Portal Complete Streets Project (TOP)

The project will improve traffic safety for all users and enhance transit service performance and reliability along Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia.
TOP funding will support purchasing traffic signal equipment and materials as well as bicycle infrastructure materials in the project area. TOP funds will not be used for the installation of the equipment and materials purchased using TOP funding. The proposed improvements will include transit priority capabilities and protected bike lane infrastructure on Woodland Avenue.
Traffic Signal Equipment TOP funding will be used to purchase new traffic signal materials and equipment. Specific materials and equipment will be identified after final design is completed. The signal will include transit priority capabilities and allow for the completion of a pedestrian crosswalk between the 40th Street Trolley Portal and Woodland Avenue. In the installation of the signal equipment purchased by the TOP grant, the City will also install the pedestrian crosswalk and ADA curb ramps at the appropriate locations. This new signal will: (1) allow pedestrians to cross to the Woodlands, (2) allow trolleys to safely and reliably, (3) include emergency vehicle preemption, and (4) calm vehicle speeds on Woodland Avenue.
Bicycle Infrastructure Materials TOP funding will be used to purchase bicycle infrastructure materials. Through the use of precast curb molds, the proposed bicycle infrastructure improvements will allow concrete curb to be installed on top of the asphalt after paving. This is seen as a similar level of protection for the bike lane as a traditional concrete curb but does not require full-depth reconstruction and restoration of the roadway. This will reduce the amount of time and effort required to implement this project and will allow the City to test an innovative approach for constructing safer, quick-build multimodal infrastructure that is easier to maintain.
The protected bike lanes will connect West and Southwest Philadelphia with University City via Woodland Walk, a popular bike/pedestrian only facility through the University of Pennsylvania. The bike lanes also connect to the Woodlands, a popular park in the neighborhood. Safe bike and pedestrian connections to the Woodlands have been a long-standing community request, and this project will allow for improved access to the Woodlands while also greatly improving transit operations.
Funds will be flexed to SEPTA to administer the project in FFY24.