"A five-year, $82 million project to replace seven bridges over the Vine Street Expressway will also remodel the cultural spine of the city," reports Paul Nussbaum.
Nussbaum reports that construction is scheduled to begin in February 2015 on the bridges used by "18th, 19th, the Parkway/20th Street, 21st, and 22d Streets, as well as the pedestrian bridges in front of the library and the old Family Court building." The project includes improvements for the "death-defying" pedestrian bridge between the Free Library and the Franklin Institute, new park space, a reconfiguration of Winter Street to reduce conflicts with pedestrians, and new pedestrian infrastructure.
James Pezzotti, a consultant for PennDot on the project is quoted in the article describing the project's planning approach: "PennDot certainly was aware that this is the cultural boulevard through Philadelphia, and it couldn't be done as a pure highway project…"
Nussbaum also notes: "PennDot decided it was too costly and difficult to cap the below-grade highway, much to the despair of those who see I-676 as an intrusive ditch that splits the cultural heart of the city."
"The one area that will be capped is a 5,625-square-foot wedge between 20th Street and Shakespeare Park in front of the library. The cap will be landscaped and added to the park," adds Nussbaum.
FULL STORY: Plans beyond just replacing seven Vine Street bridges
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