South Street gets $525K grant to address pedestrian safety

A $525,000 state grant will be used to improve Philly’s South Street Headhouse District in an effort to make the bustling area more accessible to pedestrians.

State Rep. Michael O’Brien secured the money, saying in a statement Tuesday that it will go toward modifying driving lanes and sidewalks along with addressing other improvements.

“South Street is more than just thoroughfare for Philadelphia,” said O’Brien, a Democrat whose legislative district encompasses parts of Kensington, Northern Liberties, Old City and Penn’s Landing. “It is a recreation and cultural center for residents of the city, and a tourist attraction that draws visitors from the suburbs and beyond into our great city.”

Some of the updates include widening walking paths, narrowing driving lanes to ease traffic and enhance pedestrian safety, realigning crosswalks and installing safety features, including speed bumps, lights and directional signs.

The South Street Headhouse District is a 10-block stretch, running from Front Street to 11th Street. In some areas, it extends up to Pine Street and as far south as Kater Street.

It’s host to popular annual events like the South Street Spring Festival, Night Markets, Bloktoberfestand the Easter Promenade.

The grant is provided through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, which was set up in 2013 through legislation that O’Brien supported.