Philadelphia is testing new ways to protect bike riders in the city. But not everyone is happy with the city’s plan. NBC10’s Drew Smith has the details and sound from both detractors and supporters.
A construction project to improve roadway safety along Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia and install the city’s first one-way parking protected bicycle lane is set to begin next week.
Philadelphia Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams announced the Chestnut Street Transportation Project will begin Monday, August 7. Preliminary work on the project includes roadway enhancements to improve travel safety along Chestnut Street from 45th to 34th streets. According to officials, from 2011 through 2015, 75% of the crashes on Chestnut Street occurred between 45th and 34th Streets.
The project involves shortening the crossing distance for pedestrians, installing a one-way parking protected bicycle lane and removing one motor vehicle travel lane. Streets Department crews will refresh the existing line striping and install the protected bike lanes over a three-week period.
Intermittent lane closures and parking restrictions will occur in the area during the project with flag men on hand to direct traffic and “No Parking” signs posted.
Officials say the project is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through a multimodal transportation fund. An informational flyer was also given to residents who live on the stretch where the construction will take place.
