On Tuesday, July 6th, preliminary work to acquire permits and clear the way for construction to begin will commence at the intersection of Ardmore and Lancaster Avenues. The contractor will first focus on the area between the McDonald's and 64 West (the Subway/Art Deco Building) to complete curb replacement, installation of ADA ramps and traffic fixtures. This will be followed by construction of the new intersection and widening of Lancaster Avenue on the south side.

Once this work has been completed, Ardmore Avenue is anticipated to close for a period of approximately two weeks to accomplish underground work with PECO and move the intersection into alignment with the north side of Lancaster Avenue.

Planned streetscape improvements include replacing six existing street trees with Zelkova trees, which are used to replace American elms that have fallen prey to Dutch Elm disease. "These trees are particularly hardy in urban areas and recommended for Northeastern climates," noted Angela Murray, Assistant Director of Building and Planning.

The streetscape improvements will be the final portion of the construction project. Access to businesses will be available at all times; pedestrian and automobile detours will be established prior to the intersection realignment.

The end result will be greatly improved traffic flow through this busy intersection and a plaza to welcome the traveling public to downtown Ardmore. "We appreciate the public's patience during the construction project," added Murray. "This long-awaited project is an important component to Ardmore's revitalization, and we look toward project completion in early 2011."