Route 10 trolley track work begins Sunday

The summer months are on their way, and that means summer construction, paving and maintenance projects will be popping up throughout the city. One of the first, track work on SEPTA’s Route 10 trolley line, begins this weekend. 

On Sunday, crews will begin a three phase, three and a half month track renewal project. The work will excavate, renew and repave approximately 4,000 track feet in three areas: Lancaster Ave from 40th to 44th streets, the intersection of Lancaster Ave and 48th Street and 41st Street between Wallace Street and Lancaster Ave.

This $2.7 million project is funded by Federal Transit Authority, and is necessary due to track wear. Most of this track dates back to the early 1980s and has deteriorated due to water leaks, traffic and the age of the road surface, SEPTA said. 

An added benefit, the track renewal will create a smoother ride for Route 10 trolley passengers. The continuous welded rail will reduce rail joints, and the new rubber booting on the new rail and track structures will reduce vibrations.

Last summer SEPTA undertook a similar project along portions of the Route 34 trolley tracks. There, as with the upcoming Route 10 trolley work, SEPTA renewed old rail, eliminated rail joints and installed rubber booting on rail and track structures. Crews completed the work on time, and afterward, residents and nearby business owners said the trolleys were both quieter and smoother.