Philadelphia is revving up its historic streets with a multimillion-dollar makeover aimed at making Market Street safer and more appealing for both locals and the throngs of tourists expected to flood the city for America's Semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026. The long-anticipated Old City Improvement Project finally kicked off with the symbolic digging of earth, an event marked by the collaborative efforts of the City's Department of Streets, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), and community partners.
Accidents haven't been kind to this patch of Philadelphia, delivering a crash course in traffic safety that the city has taken to heart. Market Street, a stretch notorious for its dismal safety record as part of the Vision Zero High Injury Network (HIN), is getting a much-needed overhaul. According to a recent City of Philadelphia announcement, similar interventions have proven effective, nudging down the grim tally of accidents.
Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director for OTIS, underscored the connect between the upcoming improvements and the dip in traffic injuries and fatalities reported in the city's 2024 Vision Zero Annual Report. "These safety improvements, including the new pedestrian plaza, will create a welcoming public space for residents and a destination for 2026 tourists as well as a hub of activity for years to come," Carroll declared, according to the City of Philadelphia.
As part of the redesign, Market Street will be pared down to a single lane in each direction, while gaining dedicated left turn lanes at intersections. The upgrade isn't just cosmetic; new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, traffic signals, and extended bus stop bump outs aim to ease transit woes. Cyclists will be greeted with bike lanes snugly fitted between parking spots and sidewalks, making for a more inclusive commute. Not to mention, a curbless plaza at the nexus of Market Street and 2nd Street intends to give pedestrians the upper-hand with shorter crossing paths and tweaked traffic signals favoring foot traffic.
Councilmember Mark Squilla from the First District highlighted the collaborative spirit in shaping this project, citing the Old City District and Independence Historical Trust's efforts in harnessing local feedback for a design that promises to bring Vision Zero goals within reach.
With Old City District's Vision2026 blueprint in mind and leveraging state and federal funding sources, including the ARLE, DCED, MTF, and HUD, Philly's iconic corridor is on track to receive a $16 million facelift. Local business C. Abbonizio Contractors out of New Jersey has been tapped for the task, drawing on resources pooled from steadfast city advocates like the Independence Historical Trust and Old City District. If all goes according to schedule, this project should wrap up just in time to roll out the red carpet for the nation's 250th birthday bash in Summer 2026.
