Mild temperatures this winter enabled our construction team to complete all demolition and site clearance by the end of February.

In March, the masonry north wall and underpasses were thoroughly cleaned to allow for repointing and repairs. Portions of the masonry on the perimeter walls are being repositioned, including resetting the top coping stones which were displaced by years of plant growth in the wall joints.

Steel elements on the trestle structure continue to be cleaned in preparation for upcoming welding repairs, painting and undercoating. Steel on the underside of the structure has been sandblasted and is now being treated with rust-proof coatings.

On April 11, the large I beam, damaged by repeated collisions, on the east side of the Callowhill Bridge was removed and a new I beam will be fabricated to support the overpass and the park’s many improvements.

All the hardwoods and other materials for benches, railings and stair have been ordered and will be installed this summer.

A variety of shrubs, trees, and flowering plants will be brought to the site in early June and planting will continue into the fall. The project is still on course to be completed in January 2018.

An overview may be found at
centercityphila.org/ccd-services/streetscape/the-rail-park.

During the months of construction, the Center City District Foundation is working hard to raise the remaining $400,000 needed to fully fund the $10.3 million project. You can help make this transformative new public green space a reality by making a gift today. Our Rail Park Benefactor Program offers options to support the park and leave a legacy at the same time by naming items such as the park’s swings, tiered seating areas, and hanging planter boxes or adopting a park tree, shrub or bench.

To participate in the Benefactor Program, please visit supportccdf.org/viaductrailpark.

You can also make a donation in any amount and designate it toward construction of the Viaduct Rail Park at donatenow.networkforgood. org/supportccdf.