Urban Engineers has been chosen by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability (OTIS) to be part of a dynamic team working on the innovative Vision Zero Complete Streets project, Old City Market Street Improvements. The collaborative effort includes the Philadelphia Old City District.

Philadelphia Old City District is actively enhancing civic life by developing connected public spaces within its neighborhood. This initiative is outlined in the Vision2026 Framework, focusing on revitalizing the Market Street corridor from 6th Street to 2nd Street. The initiative aims to reduce the frequency of crashes and improve pedestrian spaces, bicycle route connectivity, and transit stops as gateways into the business district along Market Street.

OTIS brought in Urban to provide design services as part of its on-call contract. The project includes the following elements: updating signal equipment, implementing a road diet, incorporating public art, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, including a curbless plaza. It will prioritize walking, biking, public transit, and commercial loading on four dense city blocks.

The improvements along the Market Street corridor, from 6th Street to 2nd Street, involve transforming it into a more bike and pedestrian-friendly space. This includes the replacement of four lanes with two lanes, the addition of bike lanes, and designated turning lanes.

The project also includes:

• The relocation of conflicting utilities.
• Installation of street trees and planters.
• The mill and overlay of the corridor.
• Reconstruction of the 2nd Street intersection to create a curbless plaza.

These enhancements are to establish a safer and more efficient corridor, serving existing traffic while ensuring the secure movement of non-motorized modes of transportation.

The challenges associated with the project are multifaceted, involving coordination among numerous stakeholders with distinct interests. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), National Park Service, Old City District, Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), and the Nanticoke and Lenni-Lenape Tribes all play pivotal roles in the project's success; each bringing its unique perspective and priorities to the table. Navigating the diverse needs of these stakeholders requires effective communication. Additionally, the project faces the added pressure of a reduced schedule, aiming for completion by early 2026 for our nation’s 250th-anniversary celebration or “semiquincentennial.”

Project Highlights

• Public Involvement
• Permitting
• Signal Design
• Bicycle and Pedestrian amenities
• Curbless Intersection
• Public Art
• Bus Boarding Islands
• Utility Coordination
• Gateway & Placemaking

Urban Presents with the City of Philadelphia OTIS on Old City Market Street Improvements at MASITE. Click here to view the video.