Next phase of street cleaning program set to launch next week

Mayor Jim Kenney announced Monday the launch of Phase II of the City’s Mechanical Cleaning Pilot Program in four residential areas. The program will launch on Monday, Aug. 9 and run through Tuesday, Nov. 30. There are a total of 14 areas slated for the program beginning with the cleaning of four areas, with a gradual expansion to include each additional area.

“As our city continues to navigate the pandemic and recover from the impact of COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring that neighborhood corridors are clean, safe, comfortable, accessible and attractive places for all Philadelphians, which will also help attract new business activity and provide job opportunities,” said Kenney in a statement.

The Streets Department is launching phase II in neighborhoods identified through the Litter Index as having the highest concentration of litter, including: Broad to 22nd streets from Glenwood Avenue to Diamond Street; McKean Street to Oregon Avenue from 4th to 8th streets; Woodland to Kingsessing avenues from 49th Street to Cemetery Avenue; and Diamond Avenue to Lehigh Street from Sedgley to 33rd streets.

“The Mechanical Street Cleaning Pilot Program is part of the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to reduce trash and litter conditions in the city’s most vulnerable communities,” said Managing Director Tumar Alexander. “The areas selected have been identified as requiring additional city services to supplement cleaning efforts.”

The Streets Department will be installing poles and posting signage along with testing equipment on designated routes in the selected areas to alert residents. Warnings will be issued on vehicles parked illegally. Residents will be notified in advance when parking enforcement will commence.

The program will be a hybrid of mechanical sweeping, sidewalk litter and trash removal and trash compactor removal. Some streets in each area will have sidewalk cleaning maintenance along with mechanical broom cleaning weekly.

“Mechanical cleaning supports the city’s efforts to make Philadelphia streets safer by keeping streets free of debris. This will enhance and provide a good and safe experience for all users,” said Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, in a statement.

For information, visit www.phila.gov/streets