FY2023 RAISE - Eakins Oval Final - Redacted

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The following application tracking information was generated by the system:
Grants.gov Tracking GRANT13816665

Number:
UEI: K3LGS8BABNH9
Submitter's Name: Sarah R Zyto
CFDA Number: 20.933
CFDA Description: National Infrastructure Investments
Funding Opportunity DTOS59-23-RA-RAISE

Number:
Funding Opportunity FY 2023 National Infrastructure Investments
Description:
Agency Name: 69A345 Office of the Under Secretary for Policy
Application Name of Reaching the Steps: Transforming Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval

this Submission:
Date/Time of Receipt: Feb 28, 2023 04:24:02 PM EST
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Reaching the Steps: Transforming Philadelphia’s
Eakins Oval
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
Transportation Discretionary Grant – FY 2023
Funding Opportunity: DTOS59-23-RA-RAISE
Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2023 National Infrastructure Investments
RAISE Capital Project Grant Application

Location: Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Municipal Services Building
RAISE Area Type: Urban 1401 John F. Kennedy
Amount Requested: $23,750,000 Boulevard
February 28, 2023 Philadelphia, PA 19102
Table of Contents
Contents
SECTION 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES ......................................................................................................... 1
1.3 PROJECT HISTORY ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 STATEMENT OF WORK ............................................................................................................................ 3
SECTION 2. PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 LOCATION OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 5
Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval 2023 RAISE Grant Application
SECTION 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Philadelphia respectfully requests $23,750,000 to construct multimodal safety,
accessibility, and mobility improvements at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – home to the iconic
Eakins Oval – and the adjacent Pennsylvania Avenue. Through the Project, the City aims to create
a world-class public realm, featuring pedestrian-oriented civic spaces along the Parkway and
offering equitable access to residents and visitors. Resulting from a rigorous planning process
already underway, the proposed work aims to reimagine the Parkway, enabling it to continue
serving as a cultural attraction and critical gathering space for thousands of residents and visitors
each year.
Located in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eakins Oval and the Parkway represent a
focal point for major community and international gatherings within the City, ranging from annual
Independence Day celebrations, open-air concerts, championship events, parades, and more. The
site is home to the Art Museum Steps, which are an attraction in and of themselves. Famously
featured in the 1976 film Rocky, the Steps and the nearby Rocky statue attract more than 4 million
visitors yearly.
Despite the site’s prominence, pedestrian access is impeded by the four-lane, high-volume
roadway dividing Eakins Oval and the Art Museum Steps. Furthermore, the Parkway poses a
danger to pedestrians and cyclists traveling to the Fairmount Park system, the Schuylkill River,
and the Schuylkill River Trail. While the City has taken low-cost measures to improve pedestrian
crossings, the freeway-like configuration of the Parkway prioritizes vehicle movement over
pedestrian safety and comfort, resulting in a less-than-welcoming experience for those who
frequent the area.
If awarded, the City will connect Eakins Oval to the Steps, facilitating safe access for pedestrians
while creating a new traffic pattern to reasonably accommodate drivers. By removing the roadway
in front of the Museum, constructing high-quality bike paths, implementing intersection and traffic
signal upgrades, and incorporating speed reduction measures into the roadway’s design, the
proposed Project will enable safe, equitable access to public spaces for drivers and non-drivers
alike.
1.2 TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Eakins Oval, and the Steps are treasured community spaces
utilized daily by hundreds of residents and visitors. At its best, Eakins Oval unites Philadelphians,
serving as a free, mutable, multi-purpose public space to protest, celebrate, and connect with the
community. Yet, its current form and function prioritize automobile movement over pedestrians,
bicycles, and public transit. The proposed Project aims to tackle enduring transportation challenges
facing this area, enabling the Parkway to fulfill its potential as Philadelphia’s signature public
space.
1
High Crash Rates, Injuries, and Fatalities: Despite several measures

taken to improve pedestrian movement throughout the project area, high
crash rates remain a pressing and persistent challenge. Between 2017 and
2021, there were 98 crashes in the project area involving 256 people,
resulting in multiple serious injuries. In 2021, a bicyclist was fatally struck
by a vehicle.
Crash analysis completed by the Project team shows a concentration of
pedestrian and cyclist-involved crashes within the project area, particularly
on the northwest end of Eakins Oval in front of the Steps. Eakins Oval's
sheer width, number of lanes, fast speeds, lack of easily understandable
intersections and crossing treatments, lack of continuous bicycle facilities,
presence of obstructed travel lanes, and long block distances between
suitable crossings create significant safety concerns. This is especially true
for the most vulnerable people who use the street on foot, on bicycles, or
on other mobility devices. Mobility choice should not be a life-or-death
decision.
Traffic Operations and Circulation Challenges: Serving as a link
between the project area to local neighborhoods and the nearby
Fairmount Parks System, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway provides vital Figure 1.1 Overhead View
connections for automobiles and transit vehicles. However, the current
road configuration presents traffic operations and circulation challenges.
Eakins Oval connects five separate roadways and facilitates traffic movements at five major
intersections. Most of Eakins Oval accommodates four lanes of traffic traveling in the same
direction. At its widest point, the roadway measures nearly 115 feet wide and serves seven lanes
of motor vehicle traffic, with a single bicycle lane. Drivers must shift across multiple lanes of
traffic to reach their intended destination at several locations within the project area.
Parallel to the Parkway is Pennsylvania Avenue, which serves as the primary access point for
Eakins Oval. The Avenue’s current traffic pattern is complex and poses a hazard for those
unfamiliar with the area or inexperienced in navigating complex intersections. Pennsylvania
Avenue was designed primarily to support vehicular traffic, and there are relatively few bike lanes
or dedicated pedestrian paths. High traffic volumes, complex intersections, and limited
infrastructure for non-motorized transportation create a challenging environment for people
walking or biking, particularly at busy intersections or peak traffic.
Non-Motorized Mobility and ADA Challenges: Numerous breaks in the continuity and
atmosphere of the pedestrian system, including narrow sidewalks, long crosswalks, high-speed
turns, and poorly maintained sidewalks, curbs, and crosswalks, do not provide sufficient dedicated
space for non-motorized roadway users to traverse the thoroughfare safely and comfortably.
Pedestrians and cyclists must navigate non-intuitive routes and cross high-volume intersections to
reach their intended destinations.
Moreover, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was transformed into a high-speed motor highway in
the 1950s, prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Despite substantial investments
made by the City to meet ADA requirements and best practices in recent years, Eakins Oval
requires additional work to introduce ADA-compliant curb ramps and accessible routes to increase
access for individuals with disabilities.
2
1.3 PROJECT HISTORY

The existing challenges at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway have long been on the City’s radar and
have resulted in an intensive community engagement and planning effort. In 2013, the PennPraxis
School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania released More Park, Less Way, a self-described
“action plan to increase urban vibrancy” on the Parkway. The plan provided a series of
recommendations to address traffic, pedestrian access, gaps in amenities, and underutilized spaces
within the Parkway, including “designing high-quality urban parks; ensuring safe access to parks
and institutions; providing a variety of amenities; and creating a focused management structure.”
This effort convened four public forums that drew more than 200 residents and community leaders
and helped the City foster working relationships with residents and stakeholders, creating a
foundation for subsequent work.
In October 2021, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation,
Infrastructure, and Sustainability (OTIS), and international design firm Design Workshop
announced the launch of the Reimagine Benjamin Franklin Parkway community engagement
effort. This four-phase effort is wrapping up design and heading toward its final stage, plan review,
and public outreach, which is expected to conclude in June 2023.
Figure 1.2. Eakins Oval History and Milestones:
2007 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Circulation, Parking, and Transit Study completed.
2010 City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and regional philanthropy organizations
collaboratively fund and implement an estimated $19.1 million in Parkway improvements.
2013 PennPraxis worked with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to create an action plan outlining
2020 The City begins traffic analysis and engineering for a near-term Eakins Oval concept.
2021 The City selects a design consultant to lead the redesign and comprehensive public engagement process
of the Parkway, including Eakins Oval.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission lists Eakins Oval as a Major Regional Project in its
long-range plan, Connections 2050.
After completing detailed traffic analysis, planning, and conceptual design, the City identifies a preferred
alternative for potential implementation.
1.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

The proposed work will construct multimodal safety, accessibility, and mobility improvements at
the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA. The activities described below aim to calm
traffic, support multimodal (including non-motorized) forms of travel, increase accessibility for
users with disabilities, and create a more cohesive, functional Eakins Oval.
Removing Road Segment between Eakins Oval and the Steps: A primary challenge with Eakins
Oval’s current layout is the road segment that fragments Eakins Oval from the Philadelphia
Museum of Art and its famous Steps. If awarded, the City will close this road segment and redirect
traffic, effectively eliminating traffic conflicts within this segment.
Implementing a New Traffic Pattern: With FY23 RAISE funding, the City will be able to
implement a new traffic pattern at Eakins Oval. The proposed Project includes the following:
3
• Converting the Oval’s traffic circle design to a “U”-shaped roadway design with the base
of the “U” intersecting the Parkway at two signalized intersections.
• Converting the roadways surrounding the Oval to two-way traffic from the current one-
way counterclockwise configuration.
• Combining the Parkway’s inner and outer lane traffic into one divided roadway at 22nd
Street, with a crossover signal to direct Parkway traffic to specific destinations (e.g., Martin
Luther King Jr. Drive/Spring Garden Street West or Kelly Drive/Spring Garden Street
East).
• Constructing a signalized crossover intersection on the Parkway to transition the two-way
roadways to the existing Parkway inner roadway with three lanes in each direction
separated by a pedestrian median.
• Constructing curb extensions, new ramps, and separated bicycling facilities along
Pennsylvania Avenue.
The proposed innovative traffic engineering solutions aim to simplify and improve the traffic
pattern, achieve better balance, and comfortably serve a wider range of transportation choices.
Intersection and Traffic Signal Improvements: The proposed Project includes intersection and
traffic signal improvements around Eakins Oval, including signal-protected pedestrian crossings
to eliminate conflicts between turning vehicles and pedestrians using the parallel crosswalk. This
will also help to avoid right-hook collisions with bicyclists.
The proposed Project also includes a series of intersection modifications along Pennsylvania
Avenue that provide access to the Parkway and Eakins Oval. The intersection modifications will
reduce speeds and the likelihood and severity of crashes, improve visibility for roadway users, and
reduce the number of conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Proposed intersection
modifications include Pennsylvania Avenue and Fairmount Avenue, as well as Pennsylvania
Avenue and Spring Garden Street.
Improving Pedestrian Connectivity and ADA Accessibility: The Project features improved
pedestrian crossings and connections that will allow pedestrians to intuitively navigate Eakins
Oval and the surrounding area. Specific treatments include but are not limited to pedestrian
crossing islands, crosswalk enhancements, leading pedestrian intervals, curb ramps, improved
sidewalks, and curb radius reduction.
The Project also aims to increase accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, including those
using wheelchairs or strollers. Accessibility improvements include rebuilding 2,550 linear feet of
sidewalk; constructing 32 ADA-compliant curb ramps; installing 18 accessible pedestrian signals
with touchless push buttons; using detectable warning strips to differentiate between at-grade
pedestrian and bicycle spaces; and installing detectable warning surface treatments on all ADA
ramps.
Constructing High-Quality Bicycle Paths: USDOT support will allow the City to close the outer
lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 22nd Street and Eakins Oval and construct a
two-way off-street bicycle path in their stead. Additional off-street bicycle paths will also be
constructed at Eakins Oval where appropriate. With dedicated spaces for cyclists, the City aims to
improve and eliminate the risk and fear of collisions with over-taking vehicles and attract a wide
range of bicyclists of all levels and ages. The Project will also construct protected bike lanes along
Pennsylvania Avenue will provide a safer and more comfortable option for bicyclists traveling to
and from Eakins Oval. The lane will be separated from vehicle traffic, which reduces the risk of
4
collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles. The protected bike lane will also improve visibility
and help to reduce conflicts with motor vehicle traffic.
SECTION 2. PROJECT LOCATION

2.1 LOCATION OVERVIEW Figure 2.1. Project Location Map
Reaching the Steps is located within the

Philadelphia, PA, Urbanized Area (UZA) in
Congressional District PA-03. The
Philadelphia UZA is the fifth largest UZA in
the nation and had a 2010 Decennial Census
population of 5,441,567. The full land area of
the UZA occupies 1,981 square miles across
four states. The City of Philadelphia had a
population of 1,526,006 in 2010, which grew
by 5%, to 1,603,797, in 2020. Philadelphia
County is designated as a Persistent Poverty
County.
Reaching the Steps is situated on the
northwestern portion of the Parkway, with
Eakins Oval as the focal point. The Parkway is
the City's arts, recreation, and cultural
backbone. It links many of the region’s well-
known cultural institutions, such as the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin
Museum, and The Barnes Foundation. It serves
as the entrance to one of the largest urban parks
in the country, Fairmount Park, and offers access to the Schuylkill River and the East Coast
Greenway. The Parkway also serves as a major commuter route and connects two major interstate
highways, Interstate 76 and Interstate 676.
The Project is located within two census tracts (CT) – CT 125 and CT 9800. CT 9800 is non-
residential and consists of park space, the Schuylkill River, and public infrastructure. Similarly,
CT 125 is primarily non-residential and consists mainly of the Parkway and surrounding public
infrastructure assets. Consequently, neither of these census tracts are designated as historically
disadvantaged communities (HDC).
However, the Parkway, Eakins Oval, and the proposed Project serve a much larger benefit area
extending far beyond the project area's geographic limits. A substantial portion of this benefit area
consists of Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tracts designated by US DOT. Fifteen APP or
HDC census tracts are located within a one-mile radius of the Project location. Over 44,000 people
live in these census tracts. Citywide, 55 percent of all census tracts in Philadelphia are designated
as APP, and 72 percent are designated as HDC. Reaching the Steps is also located within one
Opportunity Zone.
5
Project Budget
FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity

(RAISE)
Reaching the Steps: Transforming Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval
City of Philadelphia
February 28, 2023
Contents
SECTION 3. PROJECT BUDGET ...............................................................................................................................1
3.1 BUDGET OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................1
3.2 COSTS ................................................................................................................................................................1
3.3 SOURCES AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS FOR RAISE-ELIGIBLE EXPENSES ...........................................1
SECTION 3. PROJECT BUDGET

3.1 BUDGET OVERVIEW
The City of Philadelphia requests $23,750,000 in FY2023 RAISE Capital Grant funding to
complete the Reaching the Steps Project. This section presents the Project costs and the sources
and uses of funds planned for the Project.
3.2 COSTS
The total estimated cost of Reaching the Steps is $23,750,000 (Table 3.1). Project milestones and
associated cost estimates are provided below. Through February 2023, the City will have expended
approximately $200,000 in local funds for engagement, planning, and other pre-construction
activities for the Project as "previously incurred expenses." The City understands that these costs
are ineligible for reimbursement, cannot be used as non-Federal match contributions, and are not
included in the budget tables below. The previously incurred (non-RAISE-eligible) expenses have
been used to conduct extensive community engagement and detailed traffic analysis, planning, and
conceptual engineering. The entire portion of the RAISE grant will be directed toward engineering
and design, construction costs, and construction management and inspection.
Table 3.1 Detailed Budget of Eligible Costs

Item RAISE Non-Federal Total Percent
Engineering & Design
Construction
Construction Management & Inspection
TOTAL FUTURE ELIGIBLE COSTS $23,750,000 - $23,750,000 100%
3.3 SOURCES AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS FOR RAISE-ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

As shown in Table 3.2, Federal sources make up 100% of total Project costs. The project, which
consists of two primary components, can be scaled if partial funding is available. The City can
implement the improvements or portions of the proposed improvements in Census Tract 125
(Eakins Oval) for $15 million. Alternatively, the City can implement the improvements or portions
of the proposed improvements in Census Tract 9800 (Pennsylvania Avenue) for $8.75 million.
Table 3.2 Funding Sources

Item Funding Amount Percent
RAISE Funds: $23,750,000 100%
Other Federal Funds: - -
Non-Federal Funds- City Capital: - %
TOTAL FUTURE ELIGIBLE COSTS $23,750,000 100%
Table 3.3 Project Costs per Census Tract

Census Tracts Project Costs per Census Tract
Census Tract 125
Census Tract 9800
Total Project Cost: $23,750,000
1
Reaching the Steps - FY2023 RAISE Grant Application
Item Appx
Unit Item Description Unit Price Amount
Number Qty
GENERAL PROJECT ITEMS
0201-0001 1 LS CLEARING AND GRUBBING
0608-0001 1 LS MOBILIZATION
0609-0003 1 LS INSPECTOR'S FIELD OFFICE AND INSPECTION FACILITIES, TYPE B
0609-0009 1 LS EQUIPMENT PACKAGE
0686-0020 1 LS CONSTRUCTION SURVEYING, TYPE B
0688-0020 1 LS MICROCOMPUTER, TYPE C
0689-0003 1 LS CPM SCHEDULE
0901-0001 1 LS MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION OF TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCTION
9000-0790 1 PDA UNIFORMED TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS
EXCAVATION, ROADWAY RESTORATION, PATH, AND SIDEWALK

0203-0001 14183 CY CLASS 1 EXCAVATION
0203-0004 3891 CY CLASS 1B EXCAVATION
0205-0100 6461 CY FOREIGN BORROW EXCAVATION
0301-0006 10353 SY PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE BASE COURSE, 10" DEPTH
0310-0003 1689 SY CRUSHED AGGREGATE BASE COURSE, 6" DEPTH
0350-0106 11867 SY SUBBASE 6" DEPTH (NO. 2A)
0410-0511 57352 SY SUPERPAVE ASPHALT MIXTURE DESIGN, WEARING COURSE, PG 64S-22, 3 TO < 10 MILLION E 2" DEPTH, SRL-E
0413-6042 4839 SY SUPERPAVE ASPHALT MIXTURE DESIGN, BINDER COURSE, PG 64S-22, 0.3 TO < 3 MILLION
0413-6055 18887 SY SUPERPAVE ASPHALT MIXTURE DESIGN, BINDER COURSE, PG 64S-22, 3 TO < 10 MILLION
0460-0001 57397 SY ASPHALT TACK COAT
0491-0019 38210 SY MILLING OF ASPHALT PAVEMENT SURFACE, VARIABLE DEPTH, MILLED MATERIAL RETAINED
0606-0150 29 EA GRADE ADJUSTMENT OF EXISTING MANHOLES $
0606-0160 9 EA GRADE ADJUSTMENT OF EXISTING WATER VALVES
0606-0162 9 EA GRADE ADJUSTMENT OF EXISTING UTILITY BOXES
0630-0010 25053 LF PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE CURB, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF EXISTING CURB $
0695-0002 578 SF DETECTABLE WARNING SURFACE, CAST IRON
0802-0001 3689 CY TOPSOIL FURNISHED AND PLACED
0804-0001 1396 LB SEEDING AND SOIL SUPPLEMENTS - FORMULA B
0810-0052 15 EA SELECTIVE TREE REMOVAL
4676-0001 12075 SY CEMENT CONCRETE SIDEWALK, MODIFIED
9000-0690 40 CY EXPLORATORY EXCAVATION
9000-0699 1 PDA UNFORSEEN ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION
9000-5001 39 EA DESIGN OF CURB RAMPS (BY QUADRANT)
9000-5002 39 EA CONSTRUCTION OF CURB RAMP (BY QUADRANT), CONCRETE
9810-0001 15 EA NEW TREES
9906-0001 7 EA RELOCATE NEW MANHOLE
STORMWATER AND DRAINAGE

0860-0002 76 EA INLET FILTER BAG FOR TYPE C INLET
9000-0027 1 PDA UNFORESEEN WATER UTILITY WORK
9000-0310 750 LF 15" VITRIFIED CLAY PIPE
9000-0344 46 EA 4' GRATE INLET $
9000-0345 15 EA 4' HIGHWAY GRATE INLET
9000-0399 900 LF TRENCH DRAIN
9000-0399 1 PDA UNFORSEEN DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
9000-0760 14 EA REMOVE AND SEAL INLET
PAVEMENT MARKING & SIGNING

0931-0001 632 SF POST MOUNTED SIGNS, TYPE B
0935-0001 108 SF POST MOUNTED SIGNS, TYPE F
0941-0001 20 EA RESET POST MOUNTED SIGNS, TYPE B
0960-0002 12130 LF 4" YELLOW HOT THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKINGS
0960-0005 32758 LF 6" WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKINGS
0960-0021 7859 LF 24" WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKINGS
0960-0022 10 LF 24'' YELLOW HOT THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKINGS
0960-0101 34 EA WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC LEGEND, "ONLY", 8' - 0"
0960-0118 20 EA WHITE HOT THERMO LEGEND "BICYCLE WITH RIDER" $
0960-0220 32 EA WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC LEGEND, "STRAIGHT ARROW", 12' - 0" X 1' - 8"
0960-0222 10 EA WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC LEGEND, "RIGHT ARROW", 12' - 0" X 3' - 0"
0960-0224 34 EA WHITE HOT THERMOPLASTIC LEGEND, "LEFT ARROW", 12' - 0" X 3' - 0"
0963-0001 100 SF PAVEMENT MARKING REMOVAL
Reaching the Steps - FY2023 RAISE Grant Application
Item Appx
Unit Item Description Unit Price Amount
Number Qty
4965-1026 6172 SF PREFORMED THERMOPLASTIC DECORATIVE WALKING SURFACE, TYPE E, GRAY PATTERN / AL)
9000-3046 4000 SF CYCLE LANE COATING (GREEN PAINT)
9000-5007 860 SF GREEN THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING
9000-5008 4 EACH TWO-STAGE TURN MARKING LEGEND
9920-0620 30 EA REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGN
9920-0640 18 EA RELOCATE OF TRAFFIC SIGN $
9920-0722 36 EA FURNISH & INSTALL METRO STREET NAME SIGN
9920-1630 30 EA REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGN POST AND SIGNS
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION WORK

9920-0006 3350 LF CONDUIT TRENCHING AND RESTORATION
9920-0104 3350 LF PVC TRAFFIC CONDUIT, 3"
9920-0105 353 EA PVC TRAFFIC CONDUIT ELBOW, 3"
9920-0161 48 EA COMPOSITE JUNCTION BOX, 12" X 18" X 12" DEEP
9920-0175 1 PDA PECO SERVICES
9920-0200 26 EA TRAFFIC C-POST
9920-0223 4 EA TRAFFIC SIGNAL SUPPORT, 20' MAST ARM
9920-0240 19 EA STANDARD FOUNDATION, TYPE 1 (35' OR LESS) $
9920-0249 11 EA LARGE FOUNDATION (>35')
9920-0302 30 EA 3-SECTION, 12" TRAFFIC SIGNAL HEAD, POLE MOUNT
9920-0305 66 EA 3-SECTION, 12" TRAFFIC SIGNAL HEAD, OVERHEAD MOUNT
9920-0308 50 EA PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL HEAD, COUNT DOWN
9920-0311 20 EA GEOMETRICALLY PROGRAMMABLE LOUVERS
9920-0402 10 EA SOLID STATE CONTROLLER, 170, TYPE 332L CABINET
9920-0501 6890 LF TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABLE, 5-CONDUCTOR
9920-0504 8150 LF TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABLE, 30-CONDUCTOR
9920-0510 700 LF ELECTRICAL SERVICE WIRE - #6 AWG
9920-0520 10 EA AERIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE CONNECTION
9920-1601 9 EA REMOVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT
9920-2000 1 PDA UNFORESEEN SIGNAL & RELATED ELECTRICAL WORK
9920-2010 10 EA EMERGENCY PRE-EMPTION SYSTEM, TWO APPROACHES
9920-2020 1 LS ATMS INTEGRATION AND SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS, CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
STREET LIGHTING, POLES, FOUNDATIONS, & ELECTRICAL

9000-0026 1 PDA UNFORESEEN STREET LIGHTING WORK
9920-0231 74 EA STREET LIGHT POLE, 15" BOLT CIRCLE
9920-0240 74 EA STREET LIGHT POLE FOUNDATION, 15" BOLT CIRCLE
9920-0299 1 PDA ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING WORK
TOTAL:
ADJUSTMENT FOR INFLATION:
TOTAL ROUNDED:
10% CONTINGENCY:
GRAND TOTAL (ACTUAL):
Source: Historic City and PennDOT unit-cost data ROUNDED UP
Budget completed by City of Philadelphia, Department of Streets
Item Total Cost

Engineering & Design
Construction Costs
Construction Management & Inspection
Total $ 23,750,000
Merit Criteria

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
Table of Contents
Contents
SECTION 4. MERIT CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................... 1
4.1 SAFETY ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY .................................................................................................... 2
4.3 QUALITY OF LIFE ..................................................................................................................................... 4
4.4 ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND OPPORTUNITY ......................................................................... 5
4.5 STATE OF GOOD REPAIR ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.6 MOBILITY AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................... 7
4.7 PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION ................................................................................................. 8
4.8 INNOVATION ............................................................................................................................................. 9
SECTION 4. MERIT CRITERIA

4.1 SAFETY Figure 4.1. Crash Map
Eakins Oval and the Benjamin Franklin

Parkway serve millions of annual visitors
and residents as a public gathering space and
tourist attraction. Pedestrians and cyclists
naturally gravitate towards the space, which
connects visitors to cultural sites, parks, and
bikeable trails.
Despite the density of non-motorized road
users, Eakins Oval funnels residents and
visitors through a narrow crossing point
across multiple lanes of merging automobile
traffic inbound and outbound to nearby I-76
and I-676. In the past five years, 98 crashes
occurred within the approximately 2.5 miles
of roadway covered within the project area.
Crashes have led to multiple serious injuries
and extensive property damage. A bicyclist
was fatally struck by a vehicle in 2021.
Addressing crashes is a critical concern and
top priority for the City; the project area is
included among the City’s High Injury
Network” (HIN), as outlined in its Vision
Zero Action Plan (a document outlining city
strategies to reduce the number of
preventable traffic deaths to zero). HIN
identifies corridors with the highest rates of CRASH MODE AND SEVERITY BY YEAR
fatalities and serious injuries per mile; 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
currently, only 12% of city streets make up

PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS ALL YEARS
TOTAL PERSONS INVOLVED 69 85 51 28 23 256
80% of crashes resulting in death or serious TOTAL FATALITIES

TOTAL SERIOUS INJURIES
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
1
0
1
3
injury. PEDESTRIANS INVOLVED

PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES
1
0
7
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
PEDESTRIAN SERIOUS INJURIES 0 0 1 0 0 1
Reaching the Steps remedies existing safety CYCLISTS INVOLVED

CYCLIST FATALITIES
3
0
3
0
1
0
1
0
2
1
10
1
issues by connecting Eakins Oval directly to CYCLIST SERIOUS INJURIES 0 0 0 0 0 0
the Art Museum steps, routing automobile Figure 4.2. Crash Data Summary 2017 – 2021.
traffic around the pedestrian-oriented area
while safeguarding it from the nearby interstate ramps to reduce the amount of traffic speeding
through the area to or from the highways. The goal of this work is to eliminate pedestrian-vehicle
interactions, reduce vehicular lane changes, simplify intersections for most vulnerable users, and
effectively reduce or eliminate crash related injuries and fatalities. After its completion, the Project
will provide a seamless connection between Eakins Oval and the Art Museum grounds, allowing
the area to function as a comfortable pedestrian space.
1
In addition to direct roadway design improvements designed to control traffic, the Project is
designed to shift travel from vehicular modes to pedestrian, cyclist, and public transit usage.
Transfer away from vehicular travel reduces the overall likelihood of crashes on the roadway. The
roadway improvements will significantly reduce crash rates and calm traffic, adding sizeable
benefits in avoided property damage and user safety.
Reduced Traffic Injuries
By reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the project is expected to decrease traffic crashes,
effectively reducing injuries and deaths. Using specific crash information for the project area and
valuation guidance from RAISE, VMT reduction can be translated to the expected value of avoided
crashes. The improvements – including new roadway configurations, new intersections, and traffic
calming measures – will further reduce crash likelihood by regulating traffic through the area.
Based on those calculations, the City estimates that these improvements will result in annual
benefits of $1,919,655 per year.
Improved Bicycling and Pedestrian Safety
Infrastructure improvements such as
improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and
bicycling infrastructure will decrease the risk
of pedestrian and cyclist-related crashes. The
existing road segment between Eakins Oval
and the Steps presents safety issues for
individuals crossing between both public
spaces. With this layout, millions of annual
visitors are forced to cross four lanes of
merging traffic.
Removing the roadway between Eakins Oval
Figure 4.3. Project area map with local points of interest.
and the Steps will eliminate a substantial
safety risk. Once completed, the City estimates a crash risk reduction of 90% within the project
area, generating about $4,546,518 in safety benefits each year.
4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Reaching the Steps is sustainable in nature, in that the Project will reorient automobile traffic away
from Eakins Oval, repurposing the area from primarily vehicle-serving to a pedestrian oriented,
walkable public space that functions more as a park, and less as a highway. By restructuring the
space to better support pedestrians and cyclists, the Project will divert a portion of trips to non-
motorized modes (i.e., cycling, walking), reducing air pollution produced by motorized travel
modes. Additionally, vehicles currently idle while yielding to pedestrians crossing from Eakins
Oval to the Art Museum and Steps, producing additional emissions. The proposed work will
reroute traffic for optimal flow, reducing unnecessary idling.
2
Reduced Vehicle Emissions

By creating a pedestrian focused Eakins Oval, the project will reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
in vehicles burning fossil fuels, removing point source pollution from tailpipe emissions while
improving local air quality. The reduced VMTs will decrease the prevalence of several air
pollutants, including nitrogen oxide, nitrous oxide, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide,
and particulate matter. Trees and other landscaping installed as part of Reaching the Steps will also
help mitigate air pollution within the City.
Figure 4.4. Emissions across different travel modes.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Philadelphia region is an area that is
in non-attainment for National Ambient Air Quality Standards, including one-hour ozone and
carbon monoxide, 1 pollutants that are primarily caused by vehicles. Transportation is responsible
for 17 percent of carbon pollution in Philadelphia, the second largest source.
Vehicle emissions cause pollutants that can penetrate deeply into the lungs, where they can cause
irritation and inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose,
and shortness of breath, and can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. In
addition to respiratory effects, exposure to air pollutants can also have cardiovascular effects. As
the particles enter the bloodstream through the lungs, they can cause inflammation and damage to
blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. With
the proposed Project improvements, the City estimates that the emission reductions
will generate $8,438 in benefits per year.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence
By enabling and encouraging increased bicycle and pedestrian trips in Central Philadelphia, the
project is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Reaching the Steps allows a direct
connection to the Schuylkill River Trail, creating a car-free connection along the western length
of Center City Philadelphia and to North and West Philadelphia. A direct link to the trail will
enable more Philadelphians to substitute biking and walking trips for driving, reducing fossil fuel
dependence and carbon emissions in the City.
The proposed work is consistent with the City’s Climate Action Playbook, which details
Philadelphia’s response to the climate crisis, and outlines strategies such as the proposed work to
increase non-motorized travel and reduce harmful emissions.
1
EPA, https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbook/anayo_pa.html
3
4.3 QUALITY OF LIFE

Reaching the Steps is expected to improve quality of life by increasing equity and accessibility for
travelers. Safely accessible biking and pedestrian paths are an amenity for residents and visitors.
Cycling is an affordable transportation option for individuals to travel to work, schools, parks,
businesses, hospitals, and essential services. Cycling can also provide connections to public transit,
further broadening access to opportunities. In this way, cycling infrastructure can serve as a
powerful tool to address inequity, including automobile dependence as a barrier to opportunity
access.
As recently as 2020, Philadelphia was the “poorest” large city in the United States, with 23.3% of
residents living in poverty (Source: US Census Bureau). Philadelphia has a majority-minority
population, with 40.8% of the population identifying as Black or African American, 15.4%
identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and 7.4% Asian (US Census Bureau). Although the City is
resurgent and has taken large steps towards addressing economic and racial inequities, much work
can be done to ensure equitable distribution and access to high quality, affordable public spaces.
The City is committed to providing affordable, accessible public greenspaces, gathering spaces,
and cultural spaces for Philadelphians. The proposed work makes good on this commitment by
reorienting Eakins Oval and the Parkway to better serve the needs of the public. The Benjamin
Franklin Parkway plays a significant role in the Philadelphia metropolitan region's landscape,
development, commerce, and identity. Reaching the Steps is expected to revitalize neighboring
communities by connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial corridors, providing better
connections to transit nodes, and improving access to parks and open spaces.
The extension of safe pedestrian and cyclist access and the connection to major trails and public
space will enable many users in the area to engage in pedestrian and cyclist activity. Cycling is an
affordable way to exercise, and availability of cycling infrastructure extends health benefits to the
community. Moreover, recreation users have a direct value for space to exercise safely, which is
commonly measured by a user's willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a public good. Exercise, recreation,
and walkability are often studied topics in willingness-to-pay research and are shown to be highly
demanded and valued resources. Using information from the Army Corp of Engineers and other
sources on willingness-to-pay for recreational assets, total benefits from recreation users are
$726,592 per year from new users and $1,175,016 per year from increased participation among
current users.
Additional quality of life benefits include improved access to the East Coast Greenway, and the
Schuylkill River Trail (currently underway). The Schuylkill River Trail is a 128-mile facility that
is part of the federal and state-designated Schuylkill River Heritage Area. Where complete, the
Trail serves as an essential transportation and recreation greenway for eastern Pennsylvania. The
completed Schuylkill River Trail segments in Philadelphia are used for more than 1.7 million
cyclist and pedestrian user trips annually. 2
Safe transportation and recreational opportunities in a dense urban environment appeal to a broad
constituency and people of all ages. Access to a riverfront trail is a boon for residents' physical and
mental health. There is mounting evidence from clinical trials around the world that exposure to
2
https://www.dvrpc.org/asp/bikeped/detailCount.aspx?ID=6
4
nature, including trees and bodies of water, is essential for public health in urban environments.
This access to nature and active transportation opportunities results in a wide range of positive
health outcomes related to both physical and mental health. 3 Moreover, trails encourage active
transportation, further enhancing public health outcomes and reducing transportation cost burdens
with increased access to affordable transportation options like bicycling and walking. Closing
critical gaps in the Schuylkill River Trail and the East Coast Greenway would enhance livability
for millions of residents.
4.4 ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND OPPORTUNITY
Reaching the Steps will boost economic competitiveness in three areas: 1) local hiring and job
creation, 2) travel time reliability, and 3) community investment.
Local Hiring and Job Creation: The City will implement local and other geographical hiring
preferences when procuring contractors and consultants for the development and construction of
the Project according to federal rules and regulations. Hiring preferences will focus on individuals
representing populations traditionally underrepresented in the workforce. The City already
implements robust local preference hiring programs and gives preference to certified local
businesses and local hiring through its Local Business Entity program. The City's Department of
Procurement and Office of Economic Opportunity are well equipped to engage, implement, and
enforce local hiring preferences in City led contracts.
Travel Reliability: As mentioned previously, the improvements are expected to reduce motorized
traffic. The reduction in VMTs per year also reduces the congestion on local roads. This
decongestion is quantified through a reduction in travel delay, excess fuel consumed, and
congestion costs via a reduction in overall car commuters. These savings are above and beyond
the savings experienced by commuters switching away from personal motor vehicle travel. As
those users drive less, overall road congestion declines. As congestion declines, all motorists in
the area experience improvements in their commutes.
Community Investment: Building out multimodal infrastructure has direct and indirect value to
the residents and businesses of Philadelphia. Walkability in communities is a thoroughly
researched topic, and a significant body of literature exists that quantifies the marginal increase in
home values associated with nearby improvements to walkability. 4 Studies have observed
property value increases due to trail proximity of a wide range from 5% to 32%. 5 Access to reliable,
safe, attractive walkability would be heavily valued by residents in the area. Increasing walkability
and accessibility for non-vehicular travel increases economic opportunity for residents and
businesses. 6 These effects have significant value among community members. That value can be
represented by the increase in home values from these improvements.
These effects are also felt by tourists and visitors in the area. For commercial properties, in addition
to the direct factors mentioned above, the relative attractiveness of Philadelphia as a destination
will promote economic vitality in the area. The more attractive, safe, and improved the
transportation infrastructure throughout the area, the more economic opportunity will spread.
Increased economic activity for residents and businesses brings an entire host of beneficial effects.
3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556255/
4
See, for instance: Economic Benefits of Trails, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (2011);
5
The Business of Trails: A Compilation of Economic Benefits, American Trails (2008)
6
Craft, S. (2014, June 1). The Economic Impact of PLACEMAKING. Placemaking.
5
While the magnitude of each individual effect is not easily quantified, these effects together will
be reflected in increased property values. As such, property value effects are used as a proxy for
the value of these social benefits. Using research on the impact of trails and green space on nearby
properties, the City estimates a property value increase of 8% to nearby properties. To maintain
conservative estimates and account for public assets currently in the area, we assume only 20% of
that value is conferred through the planned improvements. Overall, residential and commercial
property value increase is valued at $46,310,483.
4.5 STATE OF GOOD REPAIR Figure 4.5. Existing sidewalks.
The existing road configuration at Eakins Oval and associated

infrastructure assets have surpassed their useful lives.
Throughout the years, the City of Philadelphia has performed
consistent repair and maintenance activities on the Benjamin
Franklin Parkway and Eakins Oval; however, major
improvements remain necessary to allow the historic Parkway to
support a continually growing population and post-pandemic
demand.
To assess the existing conditions of Eakins Oval and the
Parkway, the City conducted visual inspections in 2023. During
the inspection, the City noted numerous breaks in the continuity
and atmosphere of the pedestrian system, including "poorly
maintained sidewalks, curbs, and crosswalks," which, in its
current state, do not provide sufficient dedicated space for non-
motorized roadway users to traverse the thoroughfare safely and
comfortably, and require pedestrians and cyclists to navigate
non-intuitive routes and cross high-volume intersections to reach their destinations.
The proposed work aims to bring these assets into an improved state of good repair, enabling the
project area to accommodate more pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists, and motorists, improve
comfort and safety, and improve amenities. Given the pivotal role that Eakins Oval and the
Parkway provide by connecting Philadelphians to affordable cultural spaces, green spaces, and
community gathering spaces, it is imperative that steps be taken to bring the Parkway into a state
of good repair.
Furthermore, the roadways subject to this proposal have evolved from their original intent and
usage and are not currently well-configured to support redevelopment. Reaching the Steps ensures
the good condition of infrastructure, supporting transportation network efficiency, mobility of
goods and people, and commerce and economic growth.
Additionally, the proposed improvements will allow the City to update and modernize signal
equipment at four existing intersections and completely reconfigure or construct six new
intersections. The Project will also upgrade core accessibility assets, including an estimated 78
curb ramps and 7,245 linear feet of sidewalk repairs, to ensure the Oval is accessible to all users,
especially for people with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
The City will manage ongoing operating and maintenance costs after initial construction. The City
has a robust asset management program for maintenance and preservation activities, including
6
long-term condition forecasting and optimization modeling to meet federal performance

monitoring requirements and industry best practices. The City maintains an interactive Asset Web
Map, which is updated regularly to reflect the existing conditions of the City’s assets and to aid in
timely repairs and maintenance.
For Reaching the Steps, the City used historical data to forecast future operations and maintenance
costs of the roadway. The benefit-cost analysis (BCA) performed for this grant application found
that Philadelphia would save approximately $2,306 per year due to Project. The BCA also found
that the state of good repair improvements from Reaching the Steps will result in operations cost
savings for drivers using the redesigned intersection.
4.6 MOBILITY AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

The Parkway was designed as Philadelphia's great cultural connector. Cutting diagonally across
the City's street grid from City Hall to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin
Franklin Parkway creates an iconic visual link between these important institutions. While it has
succeeded in bringing a variety of world-class cultural institutions to its length, the Parkway's
design and uses shifted to serving high-speed automobile traffic. Today, the Parkway and
Pennsylvania Avenue form barriers of speeding traffic and limited pedestrian crossings between
the neighborhoods along its length.
The proposed improvements will make travel by non-vehicular modes much more pleasant and
preferable. Expanding and improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure will better connect
businesses, employees, and residents through a better-connected multimodal system and increase
affordable transportation choices for underserved transportation users. The improvements will
encourage additional pedestrian, cyclist, and public transit travel through improvements to each of
those modes. Most notably, the improvements offer considerable benefits to users by making travel
more comfortable, more enjoyable, and less stressful than more traditional design approaches.
These improvements to the quality and comfort of cycling journeys are valuable to users. Using
guidance from US DOT, these pedestrian facility improvements are estimated to generate $95,438
in benefits each year.
Reaching the Steps will build upon incremental improvements made by the City to improve bicycle
and pedestrian safety by catalyzing a new vision for the corridor focused on safety and comfort for
all users, finally creating real connections to the Parkway for neighborhoods along its length and
throughout the City.
Reaching the Steps will expand affordable transportation options for all Philadelphians, including
disadvantaged communities. Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate among the ten largest
American cities. Philadelphia County is recognized as a Persistent Poverty County by USDOT.
Investing in community infrastructure Projects like Reaching the Steps that focus on reducing
barriers is critical to achieving the City’s vision of creating a transportation system that benefits
everyone.
Reaching the Steps will complete these efforts by creating safer pedestrian crossings and reworking
the established circulation network for vehicles to be more intuitive and welcoming. This will
enhance the Oval, Steps, and Parkway as a place not just to travel through but to spend time. The
Parkway has ample green space that today is difficult to access. Reaching the Steps will unlock
7
this park space for neighborhood residents and visitors to safely use and enjoy while continuing to
reasonably accommodate vehicular movements.
4.7 PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

The City of Philadelphia is committed to partnering with local labor and union organizations, such
as the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council – AFL-CIO, to promote robust job
creation by supporting good-paying jobs with free and fair choice to join a union throughout the
lifecycle of the Project. The City’s commitment and partnership is demonstrated in the attached
letter of support signed by the Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction
Trades Council – AFL-CIO, Ryan Boyer. The City’s close partnership with local labor
organizations with expand high-quality training and education programs to help training and
education programs to help train and place people, with a focus on women, people of color, and
other populations facing systemic barriers to employment.
The City will also collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to
use an "On-the-Job" Training Program (OJT) to provide training opportunities for underserved and
disadvantaged community members to advance them toward journey-level status in highway
construction trades. The use of this workforce strategy will result in the creation or expansion of
high-quality, good-paying jobs. Once a trainee has completed training, they have the potential to
advance towards journey-level status in highway construction trades, including, but not limited to,
laborer, cement mason, electrician, equipment operator, ironworker, and painter. After completing
the OJT program, participants are provided support services through PennDOT's Bureau of Equal
Opportunity OJT. The supportive services assist OJT participants in securing apprenticeships and
full employment in highway construction trades.
The City is committed to incorporating OJT in constructing the improvements. The total number
of trainee hours available in the Project will depend on the final construction budget. However,
the City anticipates offering 3,000 to 5,000 hours of work for OJT participants throughout the
Project's life.
The City is also committed to diversity and incorporating disadvantaged business enterprises
throughout the Project's life. Each year, the City aims to reach 35 percent participation from
minority, women, and disabled-owned enterprises (M/W/DSBEs) on its contracts. The City's
Office of Economic Opportunity, Department of Procurement, and Department of Commerce help
achieve this goal by maintaining a registry and database for certified disadvantaged businesses.
The registry is available for city departments so Project managers can reach a more diverse pool
of candidates. Non-city entities can also access this list which encourages partnerships among
consultants and contracts. This process creates opportunities for diverse companies while creating
alliances within the city government and advancing diversity hiring goals.
Additionally, the proposed work is related to the ongoing Reimagine Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Project, a four-phase community engagement and planning Project, in collaboration with
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and
Sustainability (OTIS), the Department of Streets, and the international design firm, Design
Workshop. The 18-month planning effort, in partnership with the Parkway Council, works to
engage the community in creating a plan to achieve a world-class public realm for people-centric,
permanent changes to dramatically improve the appeal, use, traffic safety, functionality, and
beauty of the Parkway.
8
4.8 INNOVATION
Reaching the Steps will deploy innovative technology supporting surface transportation to enhance
the operational performance of the transportation system. To provide connectivity of these
corridors through the project area and improve traffic flow with innovation, this Project will add
dynamic signaling and appropriate detection at six signalized intersections in the project area to
address the variability of traffic flow.
Adaptive signal control technologies will adjust the timing of red, yellow, and green lights based
on real-time traffic conditions to ease traffic congestion. FHWA promotes Adaptive Signal
Technologies as an innovative tool in its Every Day Counts Initiative. By collecting and processing
data in real time from sensors at each intersection, adaptive signal technology can control and
adjust the timing of traffic lights to both increase traffic flow and decrease crashes. FHWA notes
that studies have shown delays at intersections can decrease as much as 15 percent through
adaptive signal timing based on reduced intersection congestion. Similar improvements, often as
much as a 20 percent improvement or greater, are seen for travel time and throughput on congested
corridors. The innovative traffic signal technology incorporated in the Project will benefit residents
throughout Philadelphia, including disadvantaged communities. Eakins Oval serves as a key
access point to regional infrastructure assets, such as I-76 and I-676, and serves as a major
destination for regionally significant institutions, such as the Art Museum, The Barnes Foundation,
and the Franklin Institute. As mentioned previously, a substantial portion of this benefit area
surrounding the Project consists of Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tracts designated by US
DOT.
9
Project Readiness

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
Table of Contents
Contents
SECTION 5. PROJECT READINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ............................................................... 1
5.1 PROJECT PARTIES .................................................................................................................................... 1
5.2 PROJECT SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................ 1
5.3 REQUIRED APPROVALS........................................................................................................................... 2
5.4 ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT RISKS & MITIGATION STRATEGIES ....................................................... 4
SECTION 5. PROJECT READINESS AND

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
5.1 PROJECT PARTIES
Reaching the Steps exemplifies a coordinated effort by the City of Philadelphia and community
stakeholders involved in the future of the Parkway and Eakins Oval.
Project Sponsor:
The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets will lead the Reaching the Steps Project. The
Department of Streets is responsible for capital improvements, operation, and maintenance of the
Philadelphia's transportation systems, including roads, bridges, and other roadway structures;
signals; transit; traffic control; and right-of-way permitting. The agency is funded primarily by
general taxes supplemented by fees and partnership funding.
The City has a long history of delivering successful capital Projects, including past TIGER and
BUILD grant awards. The City has continually proven to be a good steward of federal funding and
is well-versed in the reporting requirements associated with federal grants.
Project Partners and Stakeholders:
• City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
• City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and
Sustainability (OTIS)
• Parkway Council
• Key stakeholders include the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, the Philadelphia
Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and PennDOT.
5.2 PROJECT SCHEDULE

The City understands the statutory deadlines for FY 2023 RAISE funds and is prepared to execute
a grant agreement with USDOT to obligate funding for construction by 2025, well in advance of
USDOT's statutory obligation deadline of September 2027. As shown in Table 5.1, Final design
completion is anticipated in early 2024. The RAISE Project will enter construction in the summer
of 2025. The City expects to complete a portion of construction by December 2026. Substantial
completion of construction is expected by 2027, and Project closeout is planned for 2028, which
is well in advance of the September 2032 expenditure deadline.
The City is well-positioned to meet the schedule requirements of RAISE grant funding. The
proposed schedule is identified in the table below.
Table 5.1. Project Schedule
Item Start End Duration (Months)
Grant Award Announcement Spring 2023
Grant Obligation (signed grant agreement Spring/Summer 2023
Preliminary Engineering (including NEPA approval) May 2023 Dec 2023 8
Final Design Jan 2024 Aug 2024 8
Procurement Sept 2024 Feb 2025 6
Construction March 2025 Feb 2028 36
Expenditure Deadline Sept 2032
1
5.3 REQUIRED APPROVALS

The City has an excellent history of risk management with decades of experience managing large,
complicated, and innovative federally-funded transportation Projects.
Environmental Permits and Reviews
The Project presents little environmental risk. This Project is located entirely within the public
right-of-way. The Project will convert travel lanes into space for people walking and biking.
Existing negative environmental impacts such as increased noise, worsened air quality, and
degraded water quality will be reduced. Improving the walking and biking environment and
upgrading transit will reduce emissions and help meet regional climate goals.
The City will begin the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process shortly. Reaching the
Steps is not expected to have a significant environmental effect. Therefore, the City expects that
the Project will meet a Categorical Exclusion based on Projects of similar size and scope. The
preferred alternative is based on substantial planning and analysis completed by city staff. Thus
far, pre-construction activities include data collection, analysis, Project development, and initial
design and engineering.
Fulfillment of Federal, State, and Local Planning Requirements
Inclusion in the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) TIP
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Philadelphia area, DVRPC has
collaborated closely with the City of Philadelphia in regional planning initiatives and planning
related to the Parkway. DVRPC has been a partner in the formulation of the ideas embodied in
Reaching the Steps and a collaborator in the creation of this application. DVRPC has committed
to adding the Project components to the regional Transportation Improvement Project (TIP). See
Appendix B for more information.
Coordination with PennDOT
The City has engaged PennDOT in the conceptual development of the Project. PennDOT has
expressed support for the proposed traffic safety and complete streets improvements that are
integral to the Project's implementation. The City has a close working relationship with PennDOT
and looks forward to collaborating with the Department throughout the life of the Project. If
awarded, the City will continue coordinating with PennDOT for detailed traffic analysis to ensure
the proposed Project is properly implemented. The City has designated and trained professional
staff responsible for federal grant administration and reporting procedures. They have experience
administrating Projects through the PennDOT LPA process and coordinating with appropriate state
and federal officials.
Consistency with Local and Regional Plans
A multitude of district, city, and regional plans have laid the groundwork for the Project and
support its vision. They include:
• City of Philadelphia, More Park Less Way: An Action Plan to Increase Urban Vibrancy on
the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (2013)
• City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia2035 - Citywide Vision Comprehensive Plan (2011)
• City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia2035 - Central District Comprehensive Plan (2013)
• City of Philadelphia, Connection: Philadelphia’s Strategic Transportation Plan (2019)
2
• City of Philadelphia, Vision Zero Action Plan 2025 (2020)

• DVRPC, Connections 2050, Plan for Greater Philadelphia (2022)
• Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Plan Update 2019
Right-of-Way
No right-of-way acquisition will be required for Reaching the Steps.
Federal Transportation Requirements Affecting State and Local Planning
The City does not anticipate any issues with federal transportation requirements.
• The City of Philadelphia will work with DVRPC’s Freight Planning Program as part of the
design process to ensure that freight can be accommodated with ingress/egress and safe
movement throughout the project area.
• There are no anticipated issues with historic preservation, SHPO, or archeological sites
along the corridor, as this area is urban and previously disturbed with little environmental
risk.
• The City maintains a good relationship with FHWA Pennsylvania.
• The strong public involvement history regarding the Parkway results in the communities
and stakeholders being informed and engaged.
Public Engagement
Strong relationships support strong Projects. Sustained community partnerships and civic
engagement have been cornerstones of recent initiatives related to the future of the Parkway and
Eakins Oval. The Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation's 2013 More Park Less Way
plan and the subsequent Oval+ Project on Eakins Oval were predicated on robust public outreach
and successfully laid the groundwork for wide community support for this next phase of
improvements. It is critical that any ongoing engagement related to the future of the Parkway
should look to learn from and build on these past efforts.
Reaching the Steps will leverage past and current planning. The current iteration of engagement is
rooted in the 2013 More Park, Less Way plan mentioned above. This planning effort convened
four public forums that drew more than 200 residents and community leaders. The facilitated
engagement process encouraged participants to think about why the Parkway is important to the
community, the City, and the region and to think about how the Parkway is used today. More Park,
Less Way helped the City foster working relationships with residents and stakeholders. The
collaborative approaches used previously serve as the foundation for the current planning process
underway called Reimagine Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Reaching the Steps will anchor this
ambitious and inclusive planning effort, spurring and inspiring the possibilities of this historic
space to accommodate new ideas and vision.
To date, the City has completed or is in the process of completing the following outreach:
• June 2021: The Parkway Ideas Workshop – This was the first phase of the design process.
This event introduced design teams to the public.
• July 2021: Design Panel Workshop – Design teams presented initial ideas for the redesign
of the Parkway to the public.
3
• Spring/Summer 2022: Public survey and engagement activities as part of the Reimagine
Benjamin Franklin Parkway planning effort conducted by Design Workshop and its sub-
consultant team.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The City has a demonstrated track record of delivering federally funded transportation Projects.
Since the inception of TIGER, the City has successfully completed or is in the process of
completing five grant awards totaling over $57 million. The City is prepared to implement the
proposed Project in compliance with all relevant requirements, including but not limited to the
following:
• Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards are found in 2 C.F.R part 200, as adopted by DOT at 2 C.F.R part 1201.
• Federal wage rate requirements are included in subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40,
U.S.C.
• Executive Order 14005
5.4 ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT RISKS & MITIGATION STRATEGIES

The risks associated with this Project are minimal and conventional for a Project of this size. Major
risks associated with this Project have been assessed according to standard risk categories with the
following characteristics: highway and multimodal improvement Projects, Projects within the
existing right-of-way, Project locations already under agency control, and Projects with no adverse
environmental conditions. Possible risks and mitigation strategies are discussed below:
• Maintenance of Traffic/Construction Detours: The project area includes multiple
roadways that must be maintained during construction to preserve access to I-676 as well
as the Spring Garden Street Bridge. The City will include Maintenance of Traffic Plans in
design documents and is committed to maintaining lanes of traffic whenever possible.
Traffic Control Plans will be included with the bid documents. This will ensure that the
contractor will be provided with a plan for construction.
• Financial Risks:
o Inflation and/or cost overruns during construction: The construction budget is
adjusted for inflation and includes a 15% markup for contingency and unforeseen
costs. The initial cost estimate was based on recently-completed Projects as well as
current unit-price data provided by the State's Engineering and Construction
Management System.
o Non-federal cost share: The City's funding commitment letter, signed by the City's
Managing Director, represents the City's commitment to cover one-third of total
Project costs. The letter of support provided by the Mayor reiterates the City's
commitment to completing and funding the Project.
• Public involvement and awareness: As noted in the narrative, the Parkway, and Eakins
Oval are highly used and visible public spaces. The City of Philadelphia has proactively
engaged key stakeholders and has secured general support for the Project. The City will
continue coordinating and engaging with residents and key stakeholders throughout the life
4
of the Project. The City is well-equipped to handle engagement efforts during pre-
construction activities and implementation.
• Procurement or Scheduling Delays: The scope of work is within the range routinely
handled by the City. Procurement is not considered unusual, so no delays are anticipated.
The City can also leverage existing relationships to gain support from local engineering
firms who have similar local and national experience.
• Unknown environmental issues extend the NEPA process: City staff has performed an
initial review and anticipate the Project qualifying as a categorical exclusion. This Project's
Limit of Disturbance is entirely located within a dense urban area with little to no natural
habitat. The Project work will all be done on areas that are currently impervious surfaces
and should not pose any environmental risks.
• Land acquisition: No land acquisition is anticipated for this Project.
5
Benefit-Cost Analysis Narrative

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval City of Philadelphia
Benefit-Cost Analysis Narrative FY 2023 RAISE Grants
1. Benefit / Cost Analysis (Quantitative Benefits)
Table 1 - Primary Benefit Categories

Long-Term Outcome Associated Benefit Types
Reduced Car Crashes

Safety
Reduced Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes
Green Design Impacts – Air Quality

Environmental Sustainability
Car Air Pollution Reduction
Reduced Noise Pollution

Quality of Life
Recreation Benefits
Pedestrian Journey Quality and Comfort

Cyclist Journey Quality and Comfort
Mobility and Community Connectivity
Public Transit Journey Quality and Comfort
Health Benefits
Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity Property Values
Avoided Congestion
Reduced Property Damage from Car Crashes

Reduced Road Maintenance Costs
State of Good Repair
Stormwater Cost Savings
Background
The City of Philadelphia is pursuing funds for the Reaching the Steps: Transforming
Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval infrastructure project, which will significantly redesign and improve
the area around Eakins Oval. Specifically, the project will remove the stretch of the Benjamin
Franklin Parkway between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eakins Oval. This area is
currently highly unsafe for pedestrians, and is also a gateway to one of Philadelphia’s most
iconic attractions with significant pedestrian traffic. As part of removing this stretch of roadway,
the Benjamin Franklin Parkway would be fully redesigned from its current configuration as a
one-way roundabout with as many as five lanes of traffic and many exits in a tight area, to a two-
way roadway with direct access to the major connections: Kelly Drive and Spring Garden St.
The current scope of the project also includes redesigning the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue
from Spring Garden St. to Aspen St to better address safety and navigability. This redesign, and
the intersection redesigns required, will significantly improve safety for all modes of travel
through the area.
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Benefits from the planned improvements will extend beyond the significant safety impacts as
well. By improving pedestrian and cyclists pathways and access, the project will better connect
the entire surrounding area with the various public spaces, trails, and other amenities including
the Schuylkill River Trail. This will promote additional pedestrian and cyclist activity, bringing
a host of benefits including reduced emissions, positive health outcomes, and improved quality
of life. The proposed improvements also enhance stormwater management in the area by
reducing overall impervious roadway surface, creating new green space, planting trees and
bioretention, and other measures.
This analysis identifies and quantifies the benefits in their natural units (travel time savings, for
example) and values the benefits in dollar terms. We then discount the benefits to 2023 and
calculate the Benefit-Cost ratio. The detailed Benefit-Cost Analysis indicates that quantifiable
benefits are 6.3 to 15.8 times the total costs of the project, as shown in Table 1.
Table 2 - Benefit Cost Summary

Present Value Present Value
Metric Nominal Sum
(3%) (7%)
Present Value of Benefits $375,888,185 $218,026,022 $119,735,316
Present Value of Costs $23,750,000 $21,443,049 $18,867,553
Net Present Value $352,138,185 $196,582,972 $100,867,764
Benefit / Cost Ratio 15.8 10.2 6.3
Baseline
The BCA compares the proposed project against the baseline. The baseline projection used in
this BCA assumes that the improvements planned for this project are not implemented.
Project Costs
The total project costs are estimated at $23.8 million. These costs include the full development
of the improvements. The present value of the project cost is $119.7 million based on a 7%
discount rate and $218.0 million based on a 3% discount rate.
Capture Period for Benefits
The construction period of the project is estimated to last from 2023 through 2028. We assume
that the project begins to generate full benefits in 2029. We assume that the useful life of the
project is 30 years.
1. Safety
The proposed project confers safety benefits through direct roadway design improvements as
well as the marginal shift of travel from vehicular modes to pedestrian, cyclist, and public transit
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usage. Transfer away from vehicular travel reduces the overall likelihood of crashes on the
roadway. The intersection and roadway improvements throughout the area will directly address
the safety issues that motorists and pedestrians currently face in the project area. Due to the high
traffic volumes and relatively unsafe conditions for both pedestrians and motorists, the project
area has experienced a high crash rate in recent years; 98 crashes have occurred in the
approximately 2 miles of roadway covered in the project area, including one recent fatality. The
safety improvements along the road will significantly reduce crash rates and calm traffic flow for
the surrounding area, which will generate sizeable benefits in the form of avoided property
damage.
Reduced Traffic Injuries
The reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduces traffic crashes, effectively reducing
injuries and deaths. Using specific crash information for the project area, and valuation guidance
from RAISE, VMT reduction can be translated to the expected value of avoided crashes. The
added intersections improvements and traffic control measures throughout the project area,
including new roadway configurations, new intersections, traffic calming measures, and other
improvements, will further reduce crash likelihood by controlling traffic through the area. Based
on those calculations, we estimate that these improvements will result in annual benefits of
$1,919,655 per year.
Reduced Bicycling and Pedestrian Crashes
Improvements to pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure will decrease the risk of pedestrian and
cyclist-related crashes. The planned improvements to the pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure
along the redesigned roadway will reduce the risk of crashes and incidents throughout the project
area. Most significantly, the complete removal of the roadway directly bordering the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, which currently forces the millions of annual visitors to the project
area to cross four lanes of merging traffic, will eliminate a significant risk factor. The high
incident rate in the improvement area makes this risk reduction an extremely significant benefit
category. Incorporating the many improvements planned for this project, we estimate a crash
risk reduction of 90% for the incidents in the project area. This reduction generates $4,546,518
in safety benefits each year.
Table 3 – Safety Benefit Cost Analysis

Average 3% 7%
Nominal
Safety Annual Discount Discount
Value
Value Value Value
Reduced Car Crashes - Injuries and
$1,919,655 $57,589,654 $31,511,256 $15,872,991
Fatalities
Pedestrian and bicycling crash
$4,546,518 $136,395,552 $74,631,377 $37,593,652
reduction
Subtotal $6,466,174 $193,985,206 $106,142,633 $53,466,643
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2. Environmental Sustainability
Air Pollution Reduction – VMT Reduction
The reduced VMTs and the associated reduction in fuel usage will reduce the emissions of a
number of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxide, nitrous oxide, volatile organic compounds,
carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. With the proposed project improvements, we estimate
that the emission reductions will generate $8,438 in benefits per year.
Air Pollution Reduction – Stormwater Management

Planting trees and using bioretention efforts as part of stormwater design directly reduces the
presence of harmful emissions. Trees, open space, and other assets cut down emissions through
direct uptake, reduced reliance on electricity, and reduce overall smog. Reduced emissions yield
incremental savings estimated at $3,939 per year.
Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction
Each of the emission reduction benefits discussed above will also result in the reduction of
carbon dioxide emissions. Following guidance from the DOT, carbon dioxide emissions are
calculated separately, and discounted with a 3% discount rate. Combining each of the effects
above, carbon dioxide emission reductions are valued at $2,139 per year.
Table 4 – Environmental Sustainability Benefit Cost Analysis

3% 7%
Average Nominal
Environmental Sustainability Discount Discount
Annual Value Value
Value Value
VMT reduction - Air pollution $8,438 $253,143 $138,253 $69,441
Green Design Impacts - Air Quality $3,939 $118,171 $68,509 $36,364
CO2 Reduction Benefit - 3% Discount $2,139 $73,245 $73,245 $73,245
Subtotal $14,516 $444,560 $280,007 $179,051
3. Quality of Life
Quality of life benefits for this project are generated primarily through the value of recreation
and exercise assets, and through the marginal reduction in noise pollution from decreased vehicle
traffic. However, the presence of these assets, and the attention to design, aesthetics, and
community, will bring additional experiential benefits, specifically to residents. The presence of
these factors will increase the general happiness of community members, employees, and
visitors.
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Recreation Benefits
Safe accessible biking and pedestrian paths are considered to be an amenity for local residents,
visitors, and general users. The extension of safe pedestrian and cyclist access and the
connection to major trails and public space will enable many users in the area to engage in
pedestrian and cyclist activity. In addition to the health benefits associated with exercise,
recreation users have a direct value for space to exercise safely, which is commonly measured by
a user’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a public good. Exercise, recreation, and walkability are
often studied topics in willingness-to-pay research and are shown to be highly demanded and
valued resources. Using information from the Army Corp of Engineers and other sources on
willingness-to-pay for recreational assets, total benefits from recreation users are $726,592 per
year from new users, and $1,175,016 per year from increased participation among current users.
Reduced Noise Pollution
The proposed improvements will reduce noise pollution in the area. The reduction in overall
vehicle miles traveled through the area will marginally reduce traffic-related noise. Noise
pollution is an aesthetic disamenity, and can be harmful in high levels. Following guidance from
the Department of Transportation, noise pollution reduction is estimated to generate $218 in
benefits each year.
Table 5 – Quality of Life Benefit Cost Analysis

Average Nominal 3% Discount 7% Discount
Quality of Life
Annual Value Value Value Value
Recreation Benefits - Current Users $1,175,016 $35,250,480 $19,287,959 $9,715,817
Recreation Benefits - New Users $726,592 $21,797,746 $11,927,045 $6,007,944
Reduced Noise Pollution $218 $6,548 $3,583 $1,805
Subtotal $1,901,826 $57,054,775 $31,218,587 $15,725,566
4. Mobility and Community Connectivity
The proposed improvements will make travel by non-vehicular modes much more pleasant and
more preferrable. Expanding and improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure will better
connect businesses, employees, and residents through a better-connected multi-modal system.
The improvements will encourage additional pedestrian, cyclist, and public transit travel through
improvements to each of those modes. Beyond the benefits to safety, health, and recreation
benefits calculated in this analysis, the improvements to mobility and connectivity will confer
additional benefits in the form of convenience, comfort, and enjoyment for the users of those
travel methods.
Pedestrian Journey Quality and Comfort
The expansion of sidewalks, elimination of major roadways separating major attractions, and
other infrastructure will greatly increase the separation between pedestrians and active traffic,
and provide more comfortable and spacious pathways. Increasing sidewalk size or overall
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pedestrian facilities improves the quality, convenience, and comfort of pedestrian travel. This
impact is directly valuable to the residents, employees, visitors, and others using the pedestrian
infrastructure. Using guidance from the Department of Transportation, these pedestrian facility
improvements are estimated to generate $50,810 in benefits each year.
Cyclist Journey Quality and Comfort
The planned improvements involve the connection to major hike/bike trails that are currently
very dangerous to access from the roadway or from opposing sides of the project area. Safe and
comfortable cyclist pathways confer considerable benefits to users by making travel more
comfortable, more enjoyable, and less stressful than many alternative design styles. These
improvements to the quality and comfort of cycling journeys are valuable to users. Using
guidance from the Department of Transportation, these pedestrian facility improvements are
estimated to generate $124,247 in benefits each year.
Public Transit Journey Quality and Comfort
The planned improvements will make public transportation options more accessible through
improved connectivity to pedestrian and cyclist systems. This will result in increased public
transit usage, which will in turn be a benefit for commuters that prefer to use public
transportation, but were previously unable to because of poor access and unsafe conditions. The
planned improvements will improve this connectivity. Using guidance from the Department of
Transportation on public transit facility improvements, these improvements are estimated to
generate $55,376 in journey quality improvements each year.
Table 6 – Mobility and Community Connectivity Benefit Cost Analysis
Average Nominal 3% Discount 7% Discount

Mobility and Community Connectivity
Annual Value Value Value Value
Pedestrian Journey Quality and Comfort $50,810 $1,524,296 $834,047 $420,130
Cyclist Journey Quality and Comfort $124,247 $3,727,411 $2,039,522 $1,027,357
Public Transit Journey Quality and Comfort $55,376 $1,661,291 $909,006 $457,889
Subtotal $230,433 $6,912,998 $3,782,576 $1,905,376
5. Economic Competitiveness
This project will help enhance the region’s economic competitiveness by improving
transportation efficiency through reducing congestion throughout the region. The project will
also create positive health impacts through increased exercise activity. The significant
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improvements to connectivity and access to local trails, public spaces, and other assets will also
increase nearby property values.
Health Benefits
The proposed improvements will expand infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclist travel. This
will provide a considerable number of residents greater access to the area’s pedestrian and cyclist
infrastructure, and will encourage residents to exercise more, which has extensive proven health
benefits. These health benefits include reduced direct and indirect healthcare costs, direct and
indirect workers compensation costs, and lost productivity costs. Using guidance and data from
the Department of Transportation on valuing health benefits of walking and cycling, we estimate
that these incremental savings will amount to $1,714,591 per year.
Real Estate Impact
Building out multimodal infrastructure has direct and indirect value to the residents and
businesses of Philadelphia. Walkability in communities is a heavily researched topic, and a
significant body of literature exists that quantifies the marginal increase in home values
associated with nearby improvements to walkability. 1 Studies have observed property value
increases due to trail proximity of a wide range from 5% to 32%. 2 Access to reliable, safe,
attractive walkability would be heavily valued by residents in the area. Increasing walkability
and accessibility for nonvehicular travel increases economic opportunity for residents and
businesses, which is especially important given that Philadelphia is the poorest large city in the
United States. 3 These effects have significant value among community members. That value
can be represented by the increase in home values from these improvements.
These effects are also felt by the tourists and visitors in the area. For commercial properties, in
addition to the direct factors mentioned above, the relative attractiveness of Philadelphia as a
destination will promote economic vitality in the area. The more attractive, safe, and improved
the transportation infrastructure throughout the area, the more economic opportunity will spread.
Increased economic activity for residents and businesses brings an entire host of beneficial
effects. While the magnitude of each individual effect is not easily quantified, these effects
together will be reflected in increased property values. As such, property value effects are used
as a proxy for the value of these social benefits. Using research on the impact of trails and green
space on nearby property, we estimate a property value increase of 8% to nearby properties. To
maintain conservative estimates and account for the current existence of public assets in the area,
we assume only 20% of that value is conferred through the planned improvements. Overall,
residential and commercial property value increase is valued at $46,310,483.
1
See for instance: Economic Benefits of Trails, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (2011);
2
The Business of Trails: A Compilation of Economic Benefits, American Trails (2008)
3
Craft, S. (2014, June 1). The Economic Impact of PLACEMAKING. Placemaking.
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Reduced Congestion
The reduction in VMTs per year also reduces the congestion on local roads. This decongestion
is quantified through a reduction in travel delay, excess fuel consumed, and congestion costs via
a reduction in overall car commuters. These savings are above and beyond the savings
experience by commuters switching away from vehicle travel. As those users drive less, overall
road congestion declines. As congestion declines, all motorists in the area experience
improvements in their commutes. These incremental savings are valued at $8,965 per year.
Table 7 – Economic Competitiveness Benefit Cost Analysis

Average
Nominal 3% Discount 7% Discount
Economic Competitiveness Annual
Value Value Value
Value
Health Benefits - New Users $1,714,591 $51,437,740 $28,145,121 $14,177,387
Property Value Increase N/A $46,310,483 $37,654,661 $28,839,841
Reduced Congestion $8,965 $268,942 $147,157 $74,127
Subtotal $1,723,556 $98,017,165 $65,946,939 $43,091,355
6. State of Good Repair
Reduced Car Crashes – Property Damage
The reduction in VMT will also result in a concomitant reduction in car crashes. More
significantly, the extensive improvements to intersections and roadways in the project area will
directly reduce the prevalence of crashes. These effects together will reduce property damage
costs incurred by the avoided crashes. Using cost information from the RAISE guidance
regarding car crashes, these incremental savings are estimated at $47,455 per year.
Avoided Road Maintenance (Reduced VMT)
The reduction in vehicle miles traveled due to an increase in the use of other travel modes
reduces future road maintenance costs along the surrounding roads. Using estimates for roadway
maintenance per vehicle mile traveled 4, and the VMT savings above, these incremental savings
are estimated at $2,306 per year.
Stormwater Cost Savings – Water Treatment
Green stormwater design can effectively manage almost all rainfall outside of major storm
events. New green infrastructure and best practices in the planned improvements will collect
excess storm water, which would otherwise be collected and treated. At an average cost of 23
4
Transportation Cost and Benefit Analysis II – Roadway Costs, VTPI (2020)
8 of 9
cents per gallon to treat, total savings from water captured by green infrastructure is estimated to
be approximately $598,817 annually.
Stormwater Cost Savings – Energy Savings
Beyond water treatment savings, green stormwater design reduces energy uses through a number
of vectors. Planted trees and other greenery minimizes temperature variations, provides shade,
and positively impacts landscape conditions to reduce energy requirements. Using EPA data on
impacts per planted trees, the energy savings from the project stormwater design is estimated to
be $538 per year.
Table 8 – State of Good Repair Benefit Cost Summary
3% 7%
Average Nominal
State of Good Repair Discount Discount
Annual Value Value
Value Value
Reduced VMTs - Road Maintenance Costs $2,306 $69,187 $37,857 $19,069
Reduced Car Accidents - Property Damage $47,455 $1,423,660 $778,982 $392,392
Stormwater Cost Savings - Water Treatment $598,817 $17,964,508 $9,829,616 $4,951,418
Stormwater Cost Savings - Energy Savings $538 $16,127 $8,824 $4,445
Subtotal $649,116 $19,473,481 $10,655,279 $5,367,325
Results of the Benefit-Cost Analysis
As outlined above, the proposed project will provide significant long-term benefits for Eakins
Oval area and for Philadelphia overall. On the basis of the benefit-cost analyses presented above,
the City of Philadelphia estimates that the benefits of the proposed improvements will be
approximately $119.7 million and the total costs will be $18.9 million over the useful life of the
project. These benefits and costs are the present values of future benefits and costs, and are
discounted at 7% to 2022. The Net Present Value (NPV) of the project, calculated as benefits
minus costs, is approximately $100.9 million, and the benefit-cost ratio is 6.3. The project has an
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 38%.
Table 9 – Benefit Cost Summary

Present Value Present
Metric Nominal Sum
(3%) Value (7%)
Present Value of Benefits $375,888,185 $218,026,022 $119,735,316
Present Value of Costs $23,750,000 $21,443,049 $18,867,553
Net Present Value $352,138,185 $196,582,972 $100,867,764
Benefit / Cost Ratio 15.8 10.2 6.3
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Letters of Support

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
February 22, 2023
The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Transportation
US Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
RE: City of Philadelphia’s “Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval” FY 2023 RAISE Grant
Application
Dear Secretary Buttigieg:
The Logan Square Neighborhood Association strongly supports the City of Philadelphia’s FY 2023 RAISE
grant application, “Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval.” RAISE funding will be used to
implement transformational road safety improvements along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (the Parkway) at
Eakins Oval.
The proposed project will provide essential traffic safety upgrades along one of Philadelphia’s most iconic
and celebrated public spaces. The proposed improvements, which hold tremendous regional significance, will
help ensure Eakins Oval can safely and comfortably serve a broader array of transportation users and choices
and improve safety especially toward addressing the issue of illegal motorcycles, ATVs and dirtbikes. In
addition to providing critically needed safety benefits, completing this project will go a long way towards
keeping Pennsylvania competitive. It will attract visitors and residents, connect people to jobs, and improve
the quality of life for Philadelphians.
We thank you for your consideration of this RAISE grant application and the transformative nature a project
like this could have for multi-modal users, institutions, residents, businesses, and visitors in Philadelphia.
Sincerely,
Dennis J. Boylan
President
Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA)
215-816-3535
C I T Y O F P H I L A D E L P H I A
JAMES F. KENNEY
Office of the Mayor Mayor
215 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-2181
FAX (215) 686-2180
February 15, 2023

Re: City of Philadelphia’s FY2023 RAISE Application – Reaching the Steps: Transforming
Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval
Dear Secretary Buttigieg,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the City of Philadelphia’s application to the
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) FY2023 Rebuilding American
Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for Reaching the Steps:
Transforming Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, PA.
The City proposes a construction project including multimodal safety and accessibility upgrades
at Eakins Oval and the adjacent Pennsylvania Avenue. Eakins Oval is a traffic circle on
Philadelphia’s scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the
Philadelphia Museum of Art on the banks of the Schuylkill River. A focal point for major
celebrations and gatherings, Eakins Oval carries tens of thousands of pedestrians, transit riders,
cyclists, and motorists daily.
An improved Eakins Oval area will benefit both Philadelphians and visitors by ensuring greater
traffic safety in downtown Philadelphia. In 2021, there were 121 traffic deaths on Philadelphia
streets, making it the second-deadliest year for traffic crashes since 1999. This statistic is
unacceptable, and each traffic death is a tragedy to be systematically addressed. This is why
during my first year in office, I signed Executive Order 11-16 and created the Office of Complete
Streets and the Vision Zero Task Force, which ensures our streets are safe for all users.
The proposed project supports the City’s Vision Zero goal by providing essential traffic safety
upgrades along one of Philadelphia’s central arteries. Once completed, Reaching the Steps:
Transforming Eakins Oval will maintain Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania’s role as a
tourist attraction and economic hub. With USDOT support, the City can implement much-needed
improvements, allowing Eakins Oval to continue serving tourists and residents for generations to
come.
I appreciate your consideration of the City’s RAISE application and respectfully ask that you give
Philadelphia’s proposal all due consideration.
Sincerely,
February 24, 2023

U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington D.C. 20590
Dear Secretary Buttigieg:
I write today in support of the application submitted by the City of Philadelphia to the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and
Equity (RAISE) program for its Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval project. I urge
you to give this application full and fair consideration.
Eakins Oval is a traffic circle on Philadelphia’s scenic and historic Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
which runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art along the banks of
the Schuylkill River. A focal point for major community and international celebrations and
gatherings, Eakins Oval carries tens of thousands of pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists and
motorists daily. The City of Philadelphia has told me that it is seeking funding from the RAISE
program to undertake multimodal safety and accessibility improvement work at Eakins Oval, in
order to improve the overall safety, efficiency and accessibility of the area.
I understand that the proposed project would provide essential traffic safety upgrades along one
of Philadelphia’s central arteries, ensuring that Eakins Oval can safely carry a broader array of
transportation users through downtown Philadelphia. The City has informed me that there were
121 traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets in 2021, making it the second-deadliest year for traffic
crashes since 1999. I understand that the proposed project seeks to address that statistic by
providing essential safety upgrades along one of Philadelphia’s busiest and most important
traffic arteries. The City has also emphasized that, once completed, the Eakins Oval project will
maintain and expand Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania’s role as a tourist attraction
and economic hub.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Please include this letter in the official
record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also
respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if
you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (202)
224-6851.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator
2
February 20, 2023
The Honorable Pete Buttigieg,

Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
SUBJECT: RAISE 2023 - Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is pleased to support the City of
Philadelphia’s application for funding through the US Department of Transportation’s 2023
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) federal grant program
for the Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval project. DVRPC, as the Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) for the Greater Philadelphia Region, works with stakeholders to
approve and advance federal transportation infrastructure investment in our nine-county, bi-state
region. The City of Philadelphia’s application is consistent with the vision of DVRPC’s Long-
Range Plan, Connections 2050, for an equitable, resilient, and sustainable region.
Located in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—home to the
iconic Eakins Oval—represents a focal point for major community and international gatherings
within the city, ranging from annual Independence Day celebrations, open-air concerts to running
events, parades, and more. The site is home to the Art Museum Steps, famously featured in the
1976 film Rocky. The Steps and the nearby Rocky statue attract more than four million visitors
yearly. Despite the site’s prominence, pedestrian access is impeded by the four-lane, high-
volume roadway dividing Eakins Oval and the Art Museum Steps. Furthermore, the Parkway
poses a danger to pedestrians and cyclists traveling to the Fairmount Park system, the Schuylkill
River, and the Schuylkill River Trail.
An extensive planning process is underway to reimagine the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with a
focus on Eakins Oval and surrounding area, to create a world-class public realm that continues
to serve as a cultural attraction and critical gathering space. The RAISE award will allow the City
of Philadelphia to implement the designs emerging from the current study and construct
multimodal safety, accessibility, and mobility improvements. Specifically, the City seeks to
connect Eakins Oval to the Art Museum Steps, facilitating safe access for pedestrians while
creating a new traffic pattern to reasonably accommodate drivers. By removing the roadway in
front of the museum, constructing high-quality bike paths, implementing intersection and traffic
signal upgrades, incorporating speed reduction measures into the roadway’s design, and
extending access and safety improvements along Pennsylvania Avenue, the proposed project
will enable safe access to public spaces for drivers and non-drivers alike.
February 20, 2023
Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Page 2 of 2
Should the US Department of Transportation select this application for RAISE grant funding,
DVRPC confirms that we are committed to take necessary steps, as required, to ensure it will be
included in appropriate documents, such as the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for
Pennsylvania and Long-Range Plan. Not all priority projects are fully funded within the first four
years of the TIP due to state and federal funding constraints, and our region has found it
increasingly difficult to fund all current TIP projects, even though they may be valuable and
effective in improving our transportation network. If selected for funding, the City of Philadelphia,
the project sponsor, will be responsible for identifying the supplemental funding needed to
ensure that this new TIP project will be fully funded for implementation in a reasonable period of
time.
We look forward to your support of this important project for our region.
Sincerely,
Ariella Maron
Executive Director
AM:ef
BRENDAN F. BOYLE COMMITTEE ON THE
Congress of the United States

2nd District, Pennsylvania BUDGET
RANKING MEMBER
House of Representatives
February 27, 2023


I am writing in support of the City of Philadelphia’s application to the United States Department of
Transportation (USDOT) FY2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity
(RAISE) program for Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, PA.
The City proposes a construction project including multimodal safety and accessibility upgrades at
Eakins Oval, and the adjacent Pennsylvania Avenue. Eakins Oval is a traffic circle on Philadelphia’s
scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum
of Art on the banks of the Schuylkill River. A focal point for major celebrations and gatherings, Eakins
Oval carries tens of thousands of pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists and motorists daily.
An improved Eakins Oval area will benefit both Philadelphians and visitors alike by ensuring greater
traffic safety in downtown Philadelphia. In 2021, there were 121 traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets,
making it the second-deadliest year for traffic crashes since 1999. The proposed project seeks to address
that statistic by providing essential traffic safety upgrades along one of Philadelphia’s central arteries.
Once completed, Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval will maintain Philadelphia and
Southeastern Pennsylvania’s role as a tourist attraction and economic hub. With USDOT support, the
City can implement much-needed improvements, allowing Eakins Oval to continue serving tourists and
residents for generations to come.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Brendan F. Boyle
Member of Congress
5675 N. Front Street, Ste 180 8572 Bustleton Ave 1318 W. Girard Ave 1502 Longworth House
Philadelphia, PA 19120 Philadelphia, PA 19152 Philadelphia, PA 19123 Office Building
Phone: (267) 335-5643 Phone: (215) 335-3355 Phone: (215) 982-1156 Washington, DC 20515
Fax: (267) 437-3886 Fax: (215) 856-3734 Fax: (267) 639-9944 Phone: (202) 225-6111
Fax: (202) 226- 0611
February 23, 2023

I am writing in support of the City of Philadelphia’s application to the United States Department of
Transportation (USDOT) FY2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity
(RAISE) program for Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, PA.
The City proposes a construction project including multimodal safety and accessibility upgrades at Eakins
Oval, and the adjacent Pennsylvania Avenue. Eakins Oval is a traffic circle on Philadelphia’s scenic
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
on the banks of the Schuylkill River. A focal point for major celebrations and gatherings, Eakins Oval
carries tens of thousands of pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists and motorists daily.
An improved Eakins Oval area will benefit both Philadelphians and visitors alike by ensuring greater
traffic safety in downtown Philadelphia. In 2021, there were 121 traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets,
making it the second-deadliest year for traffic crashes since 1999. The proposed project seeks to address
that statistic by providing essential traffic safety upgrades along one of Philadelphia’s central arteries.
Once completed, Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval will maintain Philadelphia and
Southeastern Pennsylvania’s role as a tourist attraction and economic hub. With USDOT support, the City
can implement much-needed improvements, allowing Eakins Oval to continue serving tourists and
residents for generations to come.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Dwight Evans
Member of Congress
Funding Commitment Documentation

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
Conceptual Design

(RAISE)
February 28, 2023
Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval
Eakins Oval Improvements along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
N.TS.
Reaching the Steps: Transforming Eakins Oval
Pennsylvania Avenue Improvements
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The following application tracking information was generated by the system:

Grants.gov Tracking GRANT13816665

Submitter's Name: Sarah R Zyto

CFDA Number: 20.933

CFDA Description: National Infrastructure Investments

Funding Opportunity DTOS59-23-RA-RAISE

Agency Name: 69A345 Office of the Under Secretary for Policy

Application Name of Reaching the Steps: Transforming Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval

Date/Time of Receipt: Feb 28, 2023 04:24:02 PM EST

RAISE Capital Project Grant Application

SECTION 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.2 TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES

High Crash Rates, Injuries, and Fatalities: Despite several measures

1.3 PROJECT HISTORY

1.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION 2. PROJECT LOCATION

Reaching the Steps is located within the

FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity

SECTION 3. PROJECT BUDGET

Table 3.1 Detailed Budget of Eligible Costs

3.3 SOURCES AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS FOR RAISE-ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Table 3.2 Funding Sources

Table 3.3 Project Costs per Census Tract

EXCAVATION, ROADWAY RESTORATION, PATH, AND SIDEWALK

STORMWATER AND DRAINAGE

PAVEMENT MARKING & SIGNING

SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION WORK

STREET LIGHTING, POLES, FOUNDATIONS, & ELECTRICAL

Item Total Cost

FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity

SECTION 4. MERIT CRITERIA

Eakins Oval and the Benjamin Franklin

currently, only 12% of city streets make up

80% of crashes resulting in death or serious TOTAL FATALITIES

injury. PEDESTRIANS INVOLVED

Reaching the Steps remedies existing safety CYCLISTS INVOLVED

issues by connecting Eakins Oval directly to CYCLIST SERIOUS INJURIES 0 0 0 0 0 0

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Reduced Vehicle Emissions

Figure 4.4. Emissions across different travel modes.

4.3 QUALITY OF LIFE

4.5 STATE OF GOOD REPAIR Figure 4.5. Existing sidewalks.

The existing road configuration at Eakins Oval and associated

long-term condition forecasting and optimization modeling to meet federal performance

4.6 MOBILITY AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

4.7 PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity

SECTION 5. PROJECT READINESS AND

5.2 PROJECT SCHEDULE

5.3 REQUIRED APPROVALS

• City of Philadelphia, Vision Zero Action Plan 2025 (2020)

5.4 ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT RISKS & MITIGATION STRATEGIES

FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity

1. Benefit / Cost Analysis (Quantitative Benefits)

Table 1 - Primary Benefit Categories

Reduced Car Crashes