SEPTA will conduct a track renewal project on a portion of its Route 10 trolley line from May 12-August 31, 2013.

Track renewal will take place on Lancaster Avenue from 40th to 44th Streets and the intersection at 48th Street and on 41st Street between Wallace Street and Lancaster Avenue. Most of the track in this area was installed in the early 1980s. Replacement is necessary because the street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to water leaks, traffic and the age of the road surface. SEPTA will excavate, renew and pave approximately 4,000 track feet eastbound and westbound. The new track will result in reduced sound, as the continuous welded rail will eliminate rail joints; reduced vibration because the new rail is incased in an insulated rubber boot; and a smoother ride due to the new track structure also being encased by rubber boot.

The project will be completed in three phases. Shuttle bus service for the Route 10 trolley will be in effect between 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue to 33rd and Market Streets beginning June 9. Buses will substitute trolley service on the Route 15 from August 18-24, when two switch sets that separate the Routes 10 and 15 at Lancaster and Girard Avenues are replaced.

The phases of the project are:

Phase 1, May 12-June 9, 2013

Butt welding of rail strings in advance of the construction will take place to expedite the project. Rails will be welded and stored on Lancaster Avenue between 40th and 41st Streets (south shoulder); between 43rd and 44th streets (north shoulder); and between 47th and 48th Streets (south shoulder). Regular trolley service will be in effect during this project phase.

Phase 2, June 23-August 31, 2013

Reconstruction of both tracks between 40th and 44th Streets and the intersection at 48th Street. The entire two-block stretch of Lancaster Avenue in this area will be closed during this phase. All construction will be maintained in a moving two-block area.

Phase 3, August 18-31, 2013

Reconstruction of both tracks on 41st Street between Wallace Street and Lancaster Avenue. This entire area of 41st Street will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Normal construction hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 am-8 pm Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule. Vehicular traffic, including buses, will be detoured around the construction sites. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction sites and temporary crosswalks will be installed at intersections within the construction area as needed. Parking exceptions will be made for those with special needs. Access for businesses will be arranged.

For more information, visit www.septa.org or call SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.