PHILADELPHIA — Major changes are coming to one of Old City’s busiest thoroughfares, as the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets has announced partial closures and detours for a large-scale construction project on Market Street.

Starting Monday, August 4th, crews will close the westbound lane of Market Street from 2nd Street to 6th Street, redirecting westbound traffic onto Arch Street to keep vehicles moving through the historic neighborhood. The partial closure is expected to last up to three months, with sections reopening as soon as work is finished.

Eastbound traffic will still flow on Market Street, but will be reduced to two lanes between 6th and 5th Streets and then one lane between 5th Street and Front Street to allow crews the space they need to complete curb and sidewalk upgrades.

Access to local businesses and residences will remain open throughout construction, the department confirmed. To help local deliveries and keep neighborhood logistics smooth, temporary loading and delivery zones will be set up on Market Street and side streets, as space allows near active work areas and construction staging.

The city says the detours are necessary for a major improvement effort that includes new curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, a protected sidewalk-level bike lane, and bus stop bump outs to make the corridor safer and more accessible for all users. Alongside the visible upgrades, crews will be installing electrical and fiber optic lines to prepare for new traffic signals that aim to improve safety and traffic flow once work is complete.

Transit riders should expect changes too. SEPTA’s L Stations at 2nd and 5th Streets will remain open during the work, but passengers should expect temporary closures of elevators and staircases at these stops. Riders are urged to watch for posted signs and check septa.org/alerts for updates on bus stop relocations along Market Street and surrounding streets.

For workers commuting to and from the Navy Yard, the Navy Yard Shuttle will make its stop at 6th and Market during the construction period — updates will be posted at navyyard.org as conditions change.

City officials emphasize that this phased detour approach will allow sections of the street and sidewalks to reopen to pedestrians and vehicles as soon as specific segments are finished, minimizing disruption as much as possible over the next few months.

This project is part of Philadelphia’s broader Complete Streets push, which aims to make the city’s roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers alike by rethinking street layouts, adding protected lanes, and modernizing signals and curb ramps.

Residents and visitors can find ongoing updates, construction maps, and additional details on the city’s project webpage at phila.gov/complete-streets/market-old-city.

Originally reported by Philadelphia Government.