PHILADELPHIA – The Streets Department is pleased to announce its virtual public meeting for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Bridge Rehabilitation Project, announced Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams. The Department is accepting feedback on the project through August 21, 2020. Visitors can visit the website to leave any comments and questions.

Due to the guidelines put in place by the Department of Public Health under COVID-19, in-person open houses and meetings are not currently permitted. Therefore, the Streets Department is seeking feedback virtually. The Department has posted exhibits on its website with a pre-recorded presentation that the public can access anytime through August 21, 2020.  Visitors will be able to submit questions and comments directly on the website or they can email [email protected] 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Drive Bridge was opened in 1966 and provides a connection between the MLK Drive and Eakins Oval. It is a parallel route to I-76 and Kelly Drive and is used by vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This rehabilitation project will replace and widen the bridge deck to ensure structural integrity; meet current design standards; and, accommodate a side path for pedestrians and cyclists. Improvements are consistent with the citywide Vision Zero Program. Construction is expected to begin in the fall 2021.

Planned improvements for the project include:

• Replace bridge deck
• Perform miscellaneous structural steel repairs
• Clean and paint the superstructure
• Widen to provide a two-way, 10’ shared use path on the outbound side of the bridge
• Install both pedestrian and bicycle compatible railings
• Install updated pedestrian scale lighting

The Streets Department looks forward to receiving the public’s input on this project. It thanks citizens in advance for their patience and cooperation during this project. 

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