City Avenue Special Services District Announces Completion of $10 Million Improvement Project -
The three-phased revitalization project began in 2016 and addressed enhancements to area safety and vibrancy
August 13, 2021 (Bala Cynwyd, PA) – The City Avenue Special Services District (CASSD) today announced that its long-term Streetscape and Safety Improvement Program is now complete. The extensive project began in August 2016 and addressed a series of traffic and pedestrian safety issues that plagued the area for decades, including heavy traffic volumes, intersections operating at low service levels, and a high number of reported motor vehicle accidents.
The $10 million Streetscape and Safety Improvement Program is the largest investment project in CASSD’s history. The project was financed in part by grants and matching funds from: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority, PennDOT, the City of Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s University, Montgomery County, and the City Avenue Special Services District.
Key enhancements of the three-year revitalization included:
Installation of passive pedestrian detection
Pavement markings and road signs
Traffic signal upgrades
ADA Ramp installation
Five-second lead intervals for pedestrians at crosswalks
Solar-operated flashing beacons
Installation of dynamic speed feedback “Speedminder” signs
Stormwater collection and drainage improvements
Enhanced pedestrian lighting
Concrete mountable curb grass medians
Increased connectivity to public transit
“This was our largest and most significant investment project in our 20-year history,” said Terrence Foley, CEO & President of The City Ave District. “This is a major step forward in continuing to improve the safety and vitality of the area and make it more accessible for pedestrians, bicyclists and people visiting the district. We’ve already seen significant improvements to traffic flow and overall congestion and most importantly, it’s a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.”
“The accessibility City Avenue offers in terms of immediate access to Center City, the airport and other major transportation arteries is unmatched yet, could lead to heavy congestion and potential safety issues for those we’d see traveling in and around the area,” said Rich Gottlieb, President and COO of Keystone Property Group, with four properties in the District. “Over the course of the five-year Streetscape and Safety Improvement Program we’ve noticed considerable improvements to the overall traffic flow and congestion, as well as critical enhancements to pedestrian and cyclist safety. The work yielded enhances the attractiveness of the area for both residential and commercial residents.”
Minor updates and lighting work for the City Avenue Special Services District Streetscape and Safety Improvement Program will continue through the end of 2021, at which point the project will conclude.
