SEPTA, U.D. note progress in 69th St. renovation plan
UPPER DARBY >> Township leaders and state representatives for Upper Darby Township joined SEPTA officials Friday morning to announce the next major steps for infrastructure improvements at the 69th Street Transportation Center.
Bid packages have officially been sent out this week for an estimated $30 million project to build a new parking garage at the transit authority’s largest transportation center in the Philadelphia region. The parking garage will be a multi-tiered structure to accommodate 431 vehicles and improve an additional surface lot for 89 more. Current parking arrangements at the transportation hub accommodate 182 vehicles.
An accessible walkway will connect commuters to the various terminals and a covered walkaway will connect the parking garage to the transportation center.
A covered bus berth will be created on the site of the bus terminal located along Market Street.
Over 35,000 commuters pass through the center every day to get to places like the Philadelphia International Airport, West Chester, Norristown, and various locations through Philadelphia by bus or rail.
SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel said the plan will match the parking accessibility at the Frankford Transportation Center, the other terminus point on the Market-Frankford Elevated Line that has originating trips at 69th Street.
“Building up rather than out capitalizes on existing land resources,” he said. Knueppel added that by over doubling the number of parking spaces will alleviate the “parking roulette” that happens at the center’s parking lot every morning.
In addition to use for commuters, the parking garage will be open as an economic development boost to the numerous shopping, eating and entertainment options available in the immediate 69th Street area of the township.
Upper Darby Mayor Tom Micozzie said the current parking lot is under-utilized at night when the work day is over.
“This parking garage will act both as a SEPTA commuter parking and as
Over 35,000 commuters pass through the center every day to get to places like the Philadelphia International Airport, West Chester, Norristown, and various locations through Philadelphia by bus or rail.
well as being flexible in night time for commuters to come to our restaurants, the Tower Theater, our Studio Movie Grill, and shop,” he said.
Funds for the project will be provided by state Act 89 dollars.
Building the parking structure will be the biggest capital improvement on the center since the center’s western terminus was renovated, again with Act 89 money, and is the latest SEPTA project to improve infrastructure in Upper Darby after the Secane Train Station was given the grand reopening last month.
“We’re doing a lot, but it’s only the beginning,” said Knueppel. “It’s really going to help this area. It’s a great place and it’s going to get greater.”
Construction is expected to start before summer
2020 and is expected to last
18 months.
An Oct. 23 open house at the center’s grand hall will assist commuters with project information and future travel advisories. The open house will last from 4-7 p.m.