From Saturday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 19, there will be no train service to University City for the Airport, Media/Elwyn, or Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail lines. Also, the Airport Line shuttle bus will not stop at University City Station.
SEPTA’s Southwest Connection Improvement Program will rebuild the mainline infrastructure on the Media/Elwyn Line between 30th Street Station and Arsenal Interlocking, just below University City Station, portions of which date more than 80 years.
This track area also supports Wilmington/Newark and Airport Line services, making it a critical rail connection for southwest Philadelphia, Center City, Delaware County, and the economic vitality of the region.
In order to support the work taking place and maintain service, special schedules will be in effect for the Media/Elwyn, Wilmington/Newark, and Airport Lines. Express service will be discontinued, service levels will be adjusted, and most trip travel times will increase.
During morning and evening peak hours, shuttle buses will run from 30th Street to 49th Street, University City Station Area to 49th Street, University City Station Area to 30th Street. The Airport Line will operate as shuttle bus service with a special construction schedule.
The Division of Human Resources advises rail passengers to allow extra time getting to and from their destinations or consider alternative transportation. The construction work will also impact areas next to University City Station. Other commuters may be affected due to increased traffic on the roads, especially in August when weekday construction takes place.
If SEPTA’s infrastructure project will disrupt your travel to and from campus, consider flexible work options. Penn encourages supervisors to consider flexible scheduling or to facilitate remote work—when appropriate—to allow staff members to commute safely while maintaining productivity. Staff members are advised to consider the organizational needs of their department and to communicate with their supervisor before requesting adjustments to their schedule or work location.
Visit the University’s Flexible Work Options webpages for guidelines and recommendations for staff and supervisors.
For more information on the SEPTA construction, visit http://www.septa.org/southwestconnection.
