Gustine Lake Interchange
News for Immediate Release from PennDOT
June 15, 2010
PennDOT to Replace Lincoln Drive Bridge Over Ridge Avenue at Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia Starting June 23; Southbound Lincoln Drive Traffic to Face Delays Approaching Interchange
King of Prussia – Southbound Lincoln Drive motorists will need to allow more time for travel through the Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia when a major traffic pattern change goes into effect Wednesday, June 23, for the replacement of the structurally deficient Lincoln Drive Bridge over Ridge Avenue, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced.
Starting that day after the peak morning drive time, southbound Lincoln Drive traffic will be prohibited from using the bridge over Ridge Avenue and all southbound Lincoln Drive motorists will be forced to exit at the Ridge Avenue off-ramp. From this off-ramp, drivers will be able to proceed straight across Ridge Avenue to reach the ramp to Kelly Drive, or they can turn left to access the ramp to southbound City Avenue or go east on Ridge Avenue, or they can turn right to head west on Ridge Avenue. PennDOT is installing a temporary traffic signal at the intersection to control these moves from the off-ramp.
PennDOT advises citizens to use an alternate route or public transportation because southbound Lincoln Drive motorists will face backups and delays when driving through the interchange to reach Kelly Drive, City Avenue or Ridge Avenue. This detour will remain in effect until fall 2011. For public transportation information, visit www.septa.org.
Two lanes of northbound Lincoln Drive traffic will remain open on the bridge over Ridge Avenue during construction; however, northbound motorists will encounter traffic pattern shifts on the bridge while crews replace it one half at a time.
The Lincoln Drive Bridge was built in 1964 and carries 20,100 vehicles a day. The bridge is 158 feet long and 58 feet wide.
PennDOT is replacing the Lincoln Drive Bridge over Ridge Avenue as part of its $20.2 million transportation economic recovery project to improve the Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia, which moves nearly 100,000 motorists a day between City Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue. The entire project is scheduled to finish in fall 2011.
This bridge is one of four structurally deficient bridges at the interchange that PennDOT is replacing under the $20,224,832 project. A fifth structurally deficient bridge is being removed.
Crews are replacing two bridges on ramps over Kelly Drive; the bridge carrying Lincoln Drive over Ridge Avenue; and the bridge on the Lincoln Drive ramp to southbound City Avenue. The fifth structurally deficient bridge that is being removed and not replaced crosses over Ridge Avenue. The project also includes relocating the northbound City Avenue ramp and the Kelly Drive ramp to Ridge Avenue and creating a new signalized intersection where both ramps intersect Ridge Avenue.
PennDOT began construction last March to replace the bridge over Kelly Drive on the northbound City Avenue ramp to northbound Ridge Avenue. This ramp will reopen late this year.
The five bridges at the interchange were built in the early 1960s and range in length from 121 feet to 238 feet.
PennDOT is making additional enhancements to the interchange under this project, including new interchange lighting, 15 new sign structures with new directional signs, eight bio-retention basins, 300 new trees and shrubs, and a stone finish on bridge columns and walls.
In the five-county Philadelphia region, PennDOT is investing $257.7 million of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on 30 transportation projects, which include road and bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation System installations, traffic signal upgrades, multi-use trails, and curb ramp replacements.
The Gustine Lake Interchange improvement project is financed with $13.7 million of federal ARRA funds and over $6 million of other federal funds.
PennDOT has awarded 30 transportation economic recovery projects in the five-county Philadelphia region and 28 have moved to construction.
To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.
PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.
Media contact: Gene Blaum, Assistant Press Secretary, 610-205-6800
A schematic of the detour 
Twin Bridges Repairs
PennDOT is repairing the Twin Bridges above East Falls. Contractors are removing the sides of the bridge and replacing them. (June 2010). They are also repairing damage to the concrete on the piers. Work will be completed this year.
Midvale Avenue OPEN and Two-Way! (updated 3/18/08 - written by Julie Camburn, The Fallser and Gina Snyder)
Midvale Avenue is Open! Midvale Avenue is open for two way traffic and parking has been restored. After a disastrous two and a half month water and sewer construction project, the intersection at Ridge and Midvale Avenues in East Falls is again fully operational for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Much thanks for this timely conclusion is due to our new Councilman, Curtis Jones Jr.
After not getting a lot of information or assistance, the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) and East Falls Business Association (EFBA) approached Councilman, Curtis Jones Jr. on his second day in office. By January 10th, the Councilman had two high-level PWD staff cooperating on a plan to get extended working hours from the contractor. Councilman Jones also asked for, and received, weekly updates on the project. As a result, PWD finished a week earlier than originally projected. He also got relaxation of the Parking Authority ticketing.
The Commerce Department, the Mayor's Business Action Team, and the Mayor's Office have been invaluably helpful as well. Not only have they supported the area, but they brought in The Merchants Fund, an organization committed to providing for the economic needs of the merchant community that supports local businesses. Together, this group is committed to making sure East Falls is a vibrant and successful area. It has been heartening and humbling to see such active support from so many sides.
Although hard hit, local businesses did manage to maintain operations. They are planning a Grand Reopening Party on Sunday, April 13, from noon to 4 p.m.
The Parking Authority had relaxed parking enforcement near the construction. They will now be enforcing all rules: 2-hour residential parking, safety, fire hydrants, bus stops and two-hour restrictions on Ridge Ave.
See you by the River.
Private Projects in East Falls
East Falls is the site for various ambitious and one-of-a-kind capital projects that are expected to draw a regional audience.
- Sherman Mills at East Falls. A 19th century mill near Scotts Lane, Allegheny Avenue and Henry Avenue is being transformed into a 17-acre contemporary arts and crafts community. Craftsmen and artists in residence will live and work with like minded people. Residents will benefit from restaurants, studio tours, event venue, health spa and yoga studio. For more information, contact The Mills.
- Hilltop at Falls Ridge. This brand new Westrum Development project will consist of 128-unit townhouse style homes overlooking the Schuylkill River on the top of a hill, near the intersection of School House Lane and Ridge Avenue. Homes are under construction and on sale now.
- The Dobson Mills. Former textile factory between Ridge Avenue and Scotts Lane and Route 1 ramps is now 300 new apartments by the Winther Investment company.
East Falls Public Improvement Plan Overview and Status: February 2008
Philadelphia’s East Falls Riverfront district features a mile of Schuylkill riverfront, a wealth of history and character, and a cozy downtown cluster of independent shops and restaurants. Efforts to call attention to these assets resulted in the East Falls Reconnects to the River, the 2003 Public Improvement Plan. The plan’s goals are to increase residents’ quality of life, attract visitors, and stimulate commerce in one of Philadelphia’s most hidden treasures.
The plan, led by the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) and endorsed by the East Falls Community Council, features four phases. As of January 2007, two of the four phases have obtained over $1 million of public and private funding, with recent completion of a much needed 50-space parking lot. Public improvements will complement a mix of private development projects, including a cutting-edge artist community and a mixed use condominium complex.
Phase I: The Welcome Mat
This component of the East Falls Public Improvement Plan comprises the area along the riverfront, with an emphasis on visitors’ gateways and ease of travel in the neighborhood. Projects will create a welcoming atmosphere for the East Falls business district and improve pedestrian experience and safety.
Phase I includes:
- Constructing a 50-space parking lot under the twin bridges between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive. (completed Oct. 2007)
- Forming a pedestrian island where Midvale Avenue meets Kelly Drive. (design complete - to be bid this year - 2010)
- Placing pedestrian scale street lights along the East River road. (design complete)
- Improving pedestrian crossing areas(e.g. specialized pavement markings and landscaping).
- Changing the direction of East River Road - block behind the fire station).
Status: Construction projects will begin within a year.
Phase II: The Heart of the District
This section of the improvement plan includes Ridge Avenue about one mile east and west of Midvale Avenue, and Midvale Avenue from the Falls Bridge to the East Falls Regional Rail station. It will serve to slow traffic on Ridge Avenue to the 35mph speed limit.
Phase II includes:
- Narrowing Ridge Avenue lanes from its 13-foot width designed for highways to an 11-foot width used for surface streets.
- Widening the northern Ridge Avenue sidewalk.
- Adding trees, lighting, planters, benches and attractive trash receptacles on both sides of Ridge and Midvale Avenues.
- Burying the electric power wires and phone lines on the south side to west side of Midvale Avenue.
Status:
- Finding the funding for this $3-4 million project is still underway. Two requests have been made to the Hometown Street project. Federal and state funding is being explored.
Phase III: The Riverfront District
This section of the plan attempts to infuse the revitalized development momentum and improvements beyond the business district. The area of focus spans the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center on Ridge Avenue to the Laurel Hill Cemetery, and continues from Ridge Avenue and Scotts Lane to the 17-acre multi-use community, Sherman Mills at East Falls.
Phase III includes:
- Placing complementary street improvements such as lighting, planters, landscaping, trash receptacles and an effort to ease traffic flow and speed.
Status:
- Funding for the estimated $2.5 million phase is currently underway.
Phase IV: The Rivage Block
Public improvements in this phase focus on the Rivage Block, a city-owned property at the southwest corner of Calumet Street and Ridge Avenue. The Redevelopment Authority intends to put the site out for development in 2011.
Phase IV public improvements include:
- Widening the south side of Ridge Avenue along the Rivage Block. The space will be used as a parking area, except during morning rush hour when it will become a turning lane.
- Adding a turning lane on Calumet Street to allow cars to make a left turn onto Kelly Drive.
Status:
- As part of their agreement with the city, the developer will make. public improvements including widening Ridge Avenue and Calumet Streets.
