SEPTA gears up for trolley tunnel repair 'blitz'

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) later this month plans to kick off a 16-day repairing "blitz" along its Center City tunnel, which hosts several trolley routes.

Beginning July 31, SEPTA crews will work around-the-clock to complete a slew of rehab tasks, including the replacement of nearly 7,500 feet of track on the tunnel’s westbound side, agency officials said in a press release.

This marks the third consecutive summer that SEPTA has held such a blitz.

Other work to be completed includes replacing eastbound protection board, which attaches overhead wire to the tunnel ceiling; station repairs and improvements; LED light installation; repairing and clearing track drains; and testing emergency generators and lighting.

SEPTA's crews also will perform several maintenance tasks, such as graffiti removal, tile repair, painting and heavy cleaning at stations.

"The trolley tunnel blitz allows us to maximize productivity during improvements projects while minimizing the period of inconvenience to passengers and communities we serve, especially because we hold the blitz when our ridership is at its lowest," said SEPTA Deputy General Manager Jeff Knueppel in a statement.

The blitz is part of SEPTA's "Rebuilding for the Future" capital program, and is funded through Pennsylvania Act 89, which allotted money for numerous transportation projects in the state.