PATCO Franklin Square Station Re-Opening

The DRPA reopened the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Franklin Square Station, located in Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Square Park. Franklin Square Station opened in 1936 as part of the Bridge Line operation between 8th & Market in Philadelphia and City Hall in Camden. During the station’s last period of passenger service, it was opened and closed sporadically between 1976 and 1979. This project was the final step to reopening the station for regular service, addressed improvements to the station’s civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and provided access in compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The Contract 12-J project involved relocating an existing 36-foot water main that ran through the park to 7th Street, the construction of a new glass station head house, and the construction of 2 new emergency egress houses along 6th Street. The station became fully functional, in line with the existing stations, and part of the PATCO High Speed Line operating between Philadelphia and Lindenwold, NJ.

The new glass head house was set on top of the existing station concourse, which was cut open and reinforced with new piles and girder beams. Supportive excavation ties were needed to maintain the existing underground concourse’s structural integrity during phased construction. A new staircase and elevator shaft were poured in a sequenced approach, and the existing staircase entrance was backfilled with flowable fill.

Garg Consulting Services, Inc. provided construction management services for the new facility. Garg’s responsibilities included inspection and assurance of adherence to designer drawings and specifications for architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects of the project.