PHL and SEPTA Celebrate Completion of Airport Line Platform Upgrade

Photo Credit: Philadelphia International Airport

Written by Kathryn Cunningham, Philadelphia International Airport and Mariam Khan, Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) marked the completion of the two-year SEPTA Airport Line Platform Upgrade Project with a ribbon cutting on November 15, 2024. Joining Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed and Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam were Pennsylvania State Representative Regina Young and SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards.

The $15.5 million project is a major investment in the future of rail travel and will elevate the travel experience for PHL guests. The project was led by Airport Architectural Manager Vincent Adamo who said, "This project has been essential in modernizing our platforms and would not have been possible without the support of partners at SEPTA, our insightful design team, the dedicated contractors, and of course our vital Department of Aviation team. The success we see here is a great example of what we can accomplish working together, and a sign of good things to come to PHL!"

The Airport Line will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. The project was scheduled in two phases to ensure no disruptions to SEPTA operations or passenger experience. Key components of the project included:

• Beautification
• Concrete repairs
• Installation of new HVAC systems and air curtains
• Revamped flooring
• Installation of LED lighting
• Ceiling and canopy enhancements
• Roof rainwater leader replacements
• Installation of new bird exclusion panels

Significant signage improvements were made following a comprehensive wayfinding plan developed by both SEPTA and the Department of Aviation's Guest Experience team. Additionally the project included the installation of nearly 700 new LED light fixtures which will reduce lighting power by 73% on the platforms.

Ensuring the safety of passengers and team members around moving trains and electrified catenary lines was paramount. Construction Project Manager William McMenamin (Michael Baker International) said, "The contractors had to work around the moving trains and high voltage lines while keeping their employees and the riding public safe. This project was successful because all parties involved worked together as a team." All workers underwent SEPTA track safety training.

The SEPTA Platform Upgrade Project is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of the entire project team, including Construction Inspector, Mathews Charles Kalapura (Arora Engineers, Inc.); Designer, TranSystems, General Contractor, DJ Keating Co.; Electrical Contractor, Wescott Electric Co.; and Mechanical Contractor, Surety Mechanical, Inc.