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Washington Avenue Connector
A People’s Plaza on Washington Avenue
A pedestrian-and-bike-friendly project will connect Queen Village to the river
Reporting by Walter Foley and Duncan Spencer
QVNA’s general community meeting on April 10 offered residents of Queen Village updates on three upcoming construction projects: the Washington Avenue Connector, the Bethel Burying Ground memorial, and the Shot Tower Recreation Center buildout.
Washington Avenue Connector
Queen Village’s southern border of Washington Avenue is about to undergo a major transformation, as Joe Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) explained at the community meeting.
As part of DRWC’s comprehensive master plan, parks dotted along the Delaware River will also benefit from greening and safety upgrades along with “connector streets” to adjacent “upland neighborhoods.” The Washington Avenue connector will run from 4th Street to the river, where it will be integrated into the entrance to Pier 53, now known as Washington Avenue Pier.
— Joe Forkin, Delware River Waterfront Corporation
A familiar example already in place is the Race Street underpass from Front Street to Delaware Avenue, which connects Old City to the Race Street Pier. Safety improvements in Queen Village will include new street signage to make the right of way clear to drivers, and both sides of Washington Avenue will get new lighting and curb extensions, as well as new plantings.
A pedestrian area will be created on the south side of the street from Delaware Avenue to Front Street, along with a covered dog park under Interstate 95. Neighbors have used this space as long-term, unpaid parking, as well as seasonal place to purchase Christmas trees.
A “café-kiosk-marketplace” will also be added to the repurposed area adjacent to Dunkin’ Donuts. A bike lane is planned from Front to 4th streets, with car parking separating the bikes from traffic.
Washington Connector Project "BEFORE" PHOTO: The current view facing west at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Delaware Avenue (see Shot Tower above I-95).
The Washington Connector Project "AFTER" RENDERING : The project will make the intersection more pedestrian friendly, and offer seating and green spaces. A covered dog park under I-95 and a cafe will be among the other amenities provided to the neighborhood.
DRWC said there is a conceptual estimate of $8 million to $9 million for this project.
DRWC is also finalizing the permitting process for a related project, an “on-road” trail segment from the Washington Avenue Connector up to Northern Liberties.
“If you are from Queen Village or Pennsport, very soon you'll be able to both enjoy getting to Washington Avenue Pier, experiencing Washington Avenue Pier, and then riding all the way up to Spring Garden Street in protected bike lanes,” Forkin said.
This project is part of the larger Delaware River Trail, which includes streetscape improvements that DRWC says will eventually extend from Allegheny Avenue to Oregon Avenue. According to DRWC’s website, Lizzie Woods, vice president of planning and capital programs, says that one of the main goals is to help Philadelphians enjoy access to the waterfront.
BEFORE PHOTO shows the view facing west at the intersection of Washington Avenue and 2nd Street, with the Mummers Museum to the left.
RENDERING "AFTER" The Washington Connector at 2nd Street featuring a protected bike lane will connect to an "onroad trail segment from the Washington Connector to Northern Liberties.
“As much as I-95 is often held up as a major physical and psychological barrier between the city and the waterfront, we’ve heard from many people that Columbus Boulevard often presents a similar impediment to reaching and enjoying the waterfront for people walking and biking. We are really excited about the potential of this new amenity to improve the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors.” ■
Queen Village Quarterly Crier // SUMMER 2019
