by Navy Yard
September 16, 2022
Categories: Amenities, Development Updates, News, Press Releases,
Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction at Philadelphia Navy Yard from Urban Video Productions® on Vimeo.
We were excited to finally be able to hold a ceremony to kick off the Broad Street infrastructure improvement project on September 14. Reconstruction of a critical 734-foot section of Broad Street (referred to as the Quay Wall) officially started at the end of July, but the ceremony was held later to welcome distinguished guests and partners to the event, including Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, along with representatives from PennDOT and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The reconstruction of the Quay Wall is imperative to ensure safety and to increase accessibility for the public and the 150 businesses and 15,000 employees at the Navy Yard. The Quay Wall overlooks the Navy Yard River Basin and sits on top of a more than 120-year-old timber-bridge structure that has largely been submerged in the Delaware River and subject to the elements.
The project is the result of a $19M+ joint-venture project between PennDOT, the U.S. EDA, City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.
“Without these partnerships, none of this would be possible,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “This has been a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for several years.”
This project is also important for the future of the Navy Yard and Philadelphia.
In his remarks to the crowd, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, the will create safer transit for pedestrians and bicyclists which can also boost the economy for local businesses, and it was just one of the many innovative and exciting developments coming to the Navy Yard thanks to the Navy Yard Plan.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who represents Philadelphia’s Second District where the Navy Yard is located, stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure for the future and that the $19 million dollar project was a needed investment.
The theme of long-term vision into the future and partnerships prevailed with the other special guests from PennDOT and U.S. EDA.
“This project started with a vision and PennDOT is proud to be part of that vision,” said Lou Belmonte, PennDOT District Executive. “The Navy Yard a truly unique place and there is tremendous work happening here as it continues as a thriving center for businesses, innovation, investment, talent, and jobs.”
“The U.S. EDA is proud to make these investments in regional growth and prosperity,” said Linda Cruz-Carnall, U.S. EDA Regional Director. “We appreciate the spirit and history and continued resiliency at this site and of all of its stakeholders. Together we are united in pride and hope.”
The Quay Wall project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023. When complete, it will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.
