The Streets department announces street improvements the week of November 16th. For the latest release, please click here.

StreetSmartPHL

Residents can stay updated on the progress of the paving of their street using the PavePHL tool, the City’s new web map paving tracker which allows residents to go online and view the progress of a street scheduled for paving. It is one of the four components housed on the StreetSmartPHL platform which allows the Streets Department to communicate to the public about some of its most prominent and visible core services.

The Streets Department’s new StreetSmartPHL platform answers the question, “Are you Street Smart?” by connecting residents and stakeholders to real-time information related to permits, paving, snow plowing, and daily trash and recycling collections. StreetSmartPHL is the City’s first online “smart” tool designed to give residents, visitors and businesses direct access to the Streets Department’s core services. The site is in its beta phase. Feedback about its use and/or how we can make improvements is encouraged.

Paving Program and List

Street paving is a very complex process. We know it can be a temporary inconvenience to residents, businesses and visitors which is why it is imperative to keep the public informed and provide updates during each paving phase. Therefore, the Streets Department is pleased to present the first guide for its paving program titled, Streets Paving Program and List. It provides a list of city streets to be paved and a step-by-step guide on the entire paving process including detailed information during each stage of the process – from the selection of streets to be resurfaced; to the completion of a newly paved roadway.

Street Paving Cycle: Four Steps/Five-Week Process

During the paving process a conventional paving method is used. The process is completed in four steps over a 3- to 5-week period. Work begins late March/early April and continues through November. View the list of streets scheduled for street improvement under the Streets Department’s Planned Paving Program. 

Week 1

Milling is the process of grinding off the top layer of asphalt or surface of a roadway.

Week 2

Adjustments: After asphalt is milled off, utility manholes and castings are prepped and/or replaced by the contractor.

Weeks 3 through 6

Paving:  Street repaving provides a new layer of asphalt surface on the street to protect the underlying road structure and improve the quality of the ride.

Line Striping: Road surface markings are used on paved roadways to provide guidance and information to drivers and pedestrians.

Vision Zero

The Streets Department is committed to providing Philadelphia residents and visitors with smooth and safe streets in every neighborhood. By prioritizing safety in street design, the Streets Department’s repaving program supports Vision Zero’s goals. Learn more: www.VisionZeroPhl.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is paving season?

Work begins late March/early April and continues through November. 

How do I know if my street is scheduled to be paved?

The complete list of streets scheduled for street improvement will be available in April. Residents should also look for paving notification notices on their door and/or their vehicles.

How long does it take a street to paved?

The entire paving operation is completed over a period of three-to-five weeks from the time work begins. The anticipated time to complete work on each street segment varies and is dependent on the length and width of the street. Each step takes place in separate activities over the course of one to two days. 

Do I need to move my vehicle during paving operations?

Yes. There will be parking restrictions to allow crews to complete paving work.  Temporary “No Parking” signs stating specified dates and times when vehicles must be relocated will be posted. This will prevent the need for vehicles to be towed, as well as prevent delays in the project.

What if my vehicle is towed?

If a vehicle is towed, residents should contact their local Police District for the location of the vehicle. A complete list of Police Districts can be found at www.phillypolice.com. 

How are residents notified about paving work?

When paving work is expected on a block, residents are notified through the following means:

• Posted temporary “No Parking” signs stating specified dates and times when vehicles must be relocated.
• Press releases distributed with the complete list of scheduled streets; special press releases distributed for high-traffic areas and streets being resurfaced overnight.
• Paving Program schedule posted at https://www.philadelphiastreets.com/highways/paving/.
• Automated phone calls sent to residential homes.
• Text messages and emails to residents who opt-in by signing up for customized alerts at https://www.philadelphiastreets.com/customer-service/streets-alerts.
• Announcements posted on Nextdoor social site.
• Follow @PhilaStreets on social media.

Can the timeline for completed paving operations be altered? 

The timeline for paving operations may change depending upon weather conditions and area special events. Emergency utility work can also alter the paving schedule. We understand paving operations can be disruptive. We appreciate residents support and patience as we work to improve city streets.  

Will sidewalks be replaced during paving operations? 

New curbs and sidewalks are not included in paving operations. Prior to the repaving process photos of existing conditions are taken as the City and/or its contractor cannot be held responsible for any pre-existing damaged or illegally capped curbs. However, if a resident finds there has been curb damage during repaving, please contact 311 to report.