Share the Road on Ogontz Ave., West Oak Lane Neighborhood, Philadelphia

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Ogontz Avenue, located in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, is a heavily used traffic and transit corridor and a gateway to the city for the north. With lane stripes long having disappeared, traffic is chaotic and speeding a common occurrence.

In the spring of 2002 the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation began a resurfacing project on Ogontz Avenue. The resurfacing of Ogontz Avenue provided a prime opportunity to improve conditions not just for motorists but also for pedestrians, bicyclists and local businesses. The resurfaced roadway would be reconfigured from two lanes by direction to one lane by direction, a center left turn lane, and bike lanes. Crosswalks will also be added. The new configuration will slow down traffic and make it more orderly, improving safety for everyone.

DVRPC chose this corridor in order to assist the public in understanding and utilizing these improvements. An education campaign was targeted towards motorists and bicyclists in the community around Ogontz Avenue. This campaign involved the organization of a local steering committee composed of residents, community leaders and other stakeholders. Fliers, posters and keychains will be distributed through local businesses and churches to get the message out.

To date, Cheltenham Avenue to 66th Street have been repaved and re-striped with the new bicycle lane configuration. The paving operation between Chelten and Champlost will began in early September. All paving is expected to be completed by December 2003.

A curb re-alignment was completed at seven intersections along Ogontz Avenue. The remaining four (Belfield, Lindley, Somerville and Olney) will be completed by December 2003.

Installation of the new traffic signals, street lights and school flashers will begin this winter and continue into 2004. Once this hardware is in place, Share The Road signage will be installed.