Urban joined City of Philadelphia officials, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), community leaders, and project partners to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and completion of the Washington Avenue Connector, a transformative streetscape improvement project that strengthens connections between South Philadelphia neighborhoods and the Delaware River waterfront.

Urban provided construction management and inspection services for the project, helping oversee improvements that enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, accessibility, and mobility along the corridor.

The Washington Avenue Connector is a significant investment in Philadelphia's transportation infrastructure, transforming the corridor into a safer, greener, and more welcoming route for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists. The project creates a more direct connection between surrounding neighborhoods, including South Philadelphia and Queen Village, and the Delaware River Trail.

Improvements include a new trail connection, separated bike lane, expanded sidewalks, shorter pedestrian crossings, upgraded curb ramps, pedestrian-scale streetlighting, street trees, raised landscaped planters, roadway resurfacing, pavement markings, and upgraded traffic signals. These enhancements improve accessibility and create a more comfortable experience for residents and visitors traveling to the waterfront, nearby parks, and local businesses.

The City of Philadelphia, DRWC, elected officials, transportation agencies, community stakeholders, and project partners worked closely to make the project possible. By combining planned roadway paving and traffic signal upgrades with waterfront connectivity improvements, the project delivered a comprehensive approach to modernizing the corridor.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from:

• Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Streets
• Carlton Williams, Managing Director, City of Philadelphia
• Mark Squilla, Philadelphia City Councilmember
• Elizabeth Fiedler, Pennsylvania State Representative
• Joe Forkin, President & CEO, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

The Washington Avenue Connector is DRWC's largest completed connector street project to date and supports its broader mission of reconnecting Philadelphia neighborhoods to the Delaware River. The project builds on ongoing efforts to expand waterfront access, improve multimodal transportation connections, and create welcoming public spaces along the river.

Through its construction management and inspection services, Urban supported a project that reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the communities it serves. Founded in Philadelphia more than 65 years ago, Urban remains dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and quality of life throughout the City.