All Routes to LTSP are Open

While finishing work remains, all routes and intersections to LTSP have been reopened. There may be a delay periodically as finishing work is accomplished, but Germantown Avenue, all feeder roads, and the entrances to the LTSP campus are open. Note that we now have 2 entrances on Germantown Avenue, the main entrance north of Allens Lane and a secondary entrance south of the chapel and William Allen Plaza, the new plaza space connecting the LTSP campus to the Mt. Airy Germantown Avenue corridor. Note that both entrances lead to the Brossman and Wiedemann parking lots.

Germantown Av through November2

Through the end of this week, construction continues directly in front of the LTSP campus on Germantown Avenue, and the Allens Lane intersection and main entrance on Germantown Avenue remain closed to all traffic. The Brossman and Wiedemann lots can be accessed using the new driveway south of the chapel - there is a road closed sign along with a flag person on Germantown Avenue at Mt. Airy Avenue - you can pass through that area and access the driveway, follow the signs. Note that construction work may cause temporary traffic stoppages in this area. See alternate directions to campus at Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Here are further details:

CURRENT DETOURS REMAIN

• PennDOT's work schedule will keep the Avenue in front of campus closed through the month, but once open the road work will be substantially done. At that point, tentatively by the end of the week, intersections and campus entrances with be open and passable, though finishing work may cause delays or temporary closures. Detours are substantially unchanged.
  
• Allens Lane eastbound is detoured at Cresheim Road (at the Allens Lane train station). Local traffic only, including access to Wawa and Valley Green Bank parking lots. PLEASE DO NOT GO BEYOND CRESHEIM ROAD UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. To access the Brossman and Wiedemann lots if you're approaching on Allens Lane and miss the detour to Germantown, turn right onto Bryan Street, then left onto Durham Street and left onto Germantown Avenue and continue on Germantown through the Mt. Airy Avenue road closed point and turn right into the driveway south of the chapel.
• Germantown Avenue northbound is closed at East Mt. Airy Avenue. The posted detour actually begins at Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Local traffic to LTSP's new entry south of the chapel is possible, but there may be temporary shutdowns past the road closed signs due to construction. You can also turn right onto East Mt. Airy Avenue, then left onto Boyer Street and left onto Gowen Avenue to reach the Reed lot.
• Germantown Avenue southbound is open to Gowen Avenue. You can turn left and access the Reed lot, or turn right and detour around the construction - Gowen turns into Bryan Street, remain on Bryan, cross Mt. Airy Avenue (still closed at Germantown) and turn left at the next street, Nippon Street, which will take you to Germantown Avenue, where you can turn left and then right into the new driveway at the chapel/plaza.
• Gowen Avenue westbound is open to Germantown Avenue. You may access the Reed lot and Brewer's Outlet this way. At Germantown Avenue you must either continue on Gowen westbound or turn right onto northbound Germantown.

CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

To keep the project on schedule, a second evening shift (until 11 pm) may be used. The last track has been laid and concrete poured, with cobblestone and sidewalk work, including the apron at the main entrance to campus, to be done early this week. Plans are for the Allens Lane intersection and campus entrance to be reopened for vehicles and pedestrian traffic late in the week, dependent on weather conditions. Finishing work will continue through November but will not cause traffic problems.

• The Allens Lane intersection is closed and will reopen toward the end of October.
• Work at Mermaid Lane intersection continues. Flower shop is accessible, as are businesses in the mall across the street. There will continue to be lane changes here but access to Chestnut Hill will not be closed.

Reminder: the entrance at the chapel is temporarily 2-way continuing to and from the Brossman lot. This is the temporary exit from Brossman and Wiedemann lots to the street, as well as being the entrance. Be cautious when using this driveway in either direction.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Pedestrians may use the east side of Germantown Avenue going north from Mermaid Lane. Please follow pedestrian directional signs throughout the construction zone. Walkways in front of campus on Germantown will continue to be obstructed and directions will change as the work progresses.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av Construction through 10/27

Through the end of October, construction continues directly in front of the LTSP campus on Germantown Avenue, and the Allens Lane intersection and main entrance on Germantown Avenue remain closed to all traffic. The Brossman and Wiedemann lots can be accessed using the new driveway south of the chapel - there is a road closed sign along with a flag person on Germantown Avenue at Mt. Airy Avenue - you can pass through that area and access the driveway, follow the signs. Note that construction work may cause temporary traffic stoppages in this area. See alternate directions to campus at Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Here are further details:

CURRENT DETOURS REMAIN

• PennDOT's work schedule will keep the Avenue in front of campus closed through the month, but once open the road work will be substantially done. At that point, with exact date dependent on weather and work progress, intersections and campus entrances with be open and passable, though finishing work may cause delays or temporary closures. Detours are substantially unchanged.
  
• Allens Lane eastbound is detoured at Cresheim Road (at the Allens Lane train station). Local traffic only, including access to Wawa and Valley Green Bank parking lots. PLEASE DO NOT GO BEYOND CRESHEIM ROAD UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. To access the Brossman and Wiedemann lots if you're approaching on Allens Lane and miss the detour to Germantown, turn right onto Bryan Street, then left onto Durham Street and left onto Germantown Avenue and continue on Germantown through the Mt. Airy Avenue road closed point and turn right into the driveway south of the chapel.
• Germantown Avenue northbound is closed at East Mt. Airy Avenue. The posted detour actually begins at Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Local traffic to LTSP's new entry south of the chapel is possible, but there may be temporary shutdowns past the road closed signs due to construction. You can also turn right onto East Mt. Airy Avenue, then left onto Boyer Street and left onto Gowen Avenue to reach the Reed lot.
• Germantown Avenue southbound is detoured at East Roumfort Road. You may still access Cresheim Cottage Cafe and dentist's office this way. Traffic is forced to turn right on West Gowen Avenue - you cannot turn left to access the Reed lot.
• Gowen Avenue westbound is open to Germantown Avenue. You may access the Reed lot and Brewer's Outlet this way. At Germantown Avenue you must either continue on Gowen westbound or turn right onto northbound Germantown.

GUESTS FOR THE OCTOBER 25 PROSPECTIVE STUDENT DAY will find directional signs posted at various intersections leading to campus to help direct you to the Brossman and Reed lots.

CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

To keep the project on schedule, a second evening shift (until 11 pm) may be used, and as the roadway is prepared, concrete pouring will begin as early as 4:30 am later in the week. The last track is being laid north of the main campus entrance, and more concrete is to be poured, along with cobblestone and sidewalk work. This is dependent on weather conditions. Reminder: the entrance at the chapel is temporarily 2-way continuing to and from the Brossman lot. This is the temporary exit from Brossman and Wiedemann lots to the street, as well as being the entrance. Be cautious when using this driveway in either direction.

• The Allens Lane intersection is closed and will reopen toward the end of October.
• Work at Mermaid Lane intersection continues. Flower shop is accessible, as are businesses in the mall across the street. There will continue to be lane changes here but access to Chestnut Hill will not be closed.
• Weekend, evening and night work will take place: concrete pours may begin at 4:30 am.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Pedestrians may use the east side of Germantown Avenue going north from Mermaid Lane. Please follow pedestrian directional signs throughout the construction zone. Walkways in front of campus on Germantown will continue to be obstructed and directions will change as the work progresses.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av update through 10/17

For the next week several weeks, construction continues directly in front of the LTSP campus on Germantown Avenue, and the Allens Lane intersection and main entrance on Germantown Avenue remain closed to all traffic. The Brossman and Wiedemann lots can be accessed using the new driveway south of the chapel - there is a road closed sign along with a flag person on Germantown Avenue at Mt. Airy Avenue - you can pass through that area and access the driveway, follow the signs. Note that construction work may cause temporary traffic stoppages in this area. See alternate directions to campus at Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Here are further details:

CURRENT DETOURS REMAIN

• PennDOT has adjusted the work schedule to make the work more efficient. This will keep the Avenue in front of campus closed through the month, but once open the road work will be substantially done. At that point, intersections and campus entrances with be open and passable, though finishing work may cause delays or temporary closures. Detours are substantially unchanged.
  
• Allens Lane eastbound is detoured at Cresheim Road (at the Allens Lane train station). Local traffic only, including access to Wawa and Valley Green Bank parking lots. PLEASE DO NOT GO BEYOND CRESHEIM ROAD UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. To access the Brossman and Wiedemann lots if you're approaching on Allens Lane and miss the detour to Germantown, turn right onto Bryan Street, then left onto Durham Street and left onto Germantown Avenue and continue on Germantown through the Mt. Airy Avenue road closed point and turn right into the driveway south of the chapel.
• Germantown Avenue northbound is closed at East Mt. Airy Avenue. The posted detour actually begins at Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Local traffic to LTSP's new entry south of the chapel is possible, but there may be temporary shutdowns past the road closed signs due to construction. You can also turn right onto East Mt. Airy Avenue, then left onto Boyer Street and left onto Gowen Avenue to reach the Reed lot.
• Germantown Avenue southbound is detoured at East Roumfort Road. You may still access Cresheim Cottage Cafe and dentist's office this way. Traffic is forced to turn right on West Gowen Avenue - you cannot turn left to access the Reed lot.
• Gowen Avenue westbound is open to Germantown Avenue. You may access the Reed lot and Brewer's Outlet this way. At Germantown Avenue you must either continue on Gowen westbound or turn right onto northbound Germantown.

CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

To keep the project on schedule, work will continue into a second evening shift (until 11 pm) through part of the week, and as the roadway is prepared, concrete pouring will begin as early as 4:30 am later in the week. This is dependent on weather conditions. Reminder: the entrance at the chapel is temporarily 2-way continuing to and from the Brossman lot. This is the temporary exit from Brossman and Wiedemann lots to the street, as well as being the entrance. Be cautious when using this driveway in either direction.

• The Allens Lane intersection is closed and will not reopen for two more weeks.
• The Gowen Avenue intersection will reopen around Wednesday October 15. Germantown Avenue southbound will remain closed.
• Work at Mermaid Lane intersection continues. Flower shop is accessible, as are businesses in the mall across the street. There will continue to be lane changes here but access to Chestnut Hill will not be closed.
• Weekend, evening and night work will take place: all concrete pours will begin at 4:30 am.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Pedestrians may use the east side of Germantown Avenue going north from Mermaid Lane. Please follow pedestrian directional signs throughout the construction zone. Walkways in front of campus on Germantown will continue to be obstructed and directions will change as the work progresses.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av update to 10/10

Construction continues directly in front of the LTSP campus on Germantown Avenue, and the Allens Lane intersection and main entrance on Germantown Avenue remain closed to all traffic. The Brossman and Wiedemann lots can be accessed using the new driveway south of the chapel - there is a road closed sign along with a flag person on Germantown Avenue at Mt. Airy Avenue - you can pass through that area and access the driveway, follow the signs. Note that construction work may cause temporary traffic stoppages in this area. See alternate directions to campus at Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Here are further details:

CURRENT DETOURS REMAIN

• Allens Lane eastbound is detoured at Cresheim Road (at the Allens Lane train station.) Local traffic only, including access to Wawa and Valley Green Bank parking lots. PLEASE DO NOT GO BEYOND CRESHEIM ROAD UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. To access the Brossman and Wiedemann lots if you're approaching on Allens Lane and miss the detour to Germantown, turn right onto Bryan Street, then left onto Durham Street and left onto Germantown Avenue and continue on Germantown through the Mt. Airy Avenue road closed point and turn right into the driveway south of the chapel.
• Germantown Avenue northbound is closed at East Mt. Airy Avenue. The posted detour actually begins at Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Local traffic to LTSP's new entry south of the chapel is possible, but there may be temporary shutdowns past the road closed signs due to construction. You can also turn right onto East Mt. Airy Avenue, then left onto Boyer Street and left onto Gowen Avenue to reach the Reed lot.
• Germantown Avenue southbound is detoured at East Roumfort Road. You may still access Cresheim Cottage Cafe and dentist's office this way. Traffic is forced to turn right on West Gowen Avenue - you cannot turn left to access the Reed lot.
• Gowen Avenue westbound is open to Germantown Avenue. You may access the Reed lot and Brewer's Outlet this way. At Germantown Avenue you must either continue on Gowen westbound or turn right onto northbound Germantown.

CURRENT STATUS OF PROJECT

To keep the project on schedule, work will continue into a second evening shift (until 11 pm) through part of the week, and as the roadway is prepared, concrete pouring will begin as early as 4:30 am later in the week. This is dependent on weather conditions. Reminder: the entrance at the chapel is temporarily 2-way continuing to and from the Brossman lot. This is the temporary exit from Brossman and Wiedemann lots to the street, as well as being the entrance. Be cautious when using this driveway in either direction.

• The Allens Lane intersection is closed and will not reopen for two more weeks.
• The Gowen Avenue intersection will reopen by Friday October 10th. Germantown Avenue southbound will remain closed.
• Work at Mermaid Lane intersection continues. Flower shop is accessible, as are businesses in the mall across the street. There will continue to be lane changes here but access to Chestnut Hill will not be closed.
• Weekend, evening and night work will take place: all concrete pours will begin at 4:30 am.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Pedestrians may use the east side of Germantown Avenue going north from Mermaid Lane. Please follow pedestrian directional signs throughout the construction zone. Walkways in front of campus on Germantown will continue to be obstructed and directions will change as the work progresses.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Ave. Update - 9/26

Construction on Germantown Avenue will be impacting access to the LTSP campus through fall; for the latest updates be sure to check Ltsp.edu/germantownave before you come to campus, watch your email if you are an LTSP student or a member of the faculty or staff, or sign up for email notifications from this blog.

Here's what is projected through October 2:

Germantown Ave., Main Entrance, Brossman and Wiedemann Lot access:
Construction is occurring directly in front of campus from Gowen Avenue south along the entire campus frontage. Temporary roadway is expected to be installed by Thursday, 10/1, and construction will proceed behind barricades with provision for traffic to pass. Be prepared for temporary closures and stoppages as the work progresses through the fall.

Of special note: Germantown Avenue is barricaded northbound at Mt. Airy Avenue, though the flagger at the barricade will allow passage to the new campus entrance on the south side of the chapel at the new plaza. Use caution when you enter and proceed to the Brossman parking lot. Note there is an orange directional sign at this entrance. THIS DRIVEWAY IS TEMPORARILY 2-WAY - drive slowly and cautiously both when entering and leaving campus, the drive is only wide enough for one vehicle to pass. The main campus entrance on Germantown Avenue is temporarily closed.

Allens Lane is closed at Germantown Avenue. A detour is posted - see Ltsp.edu/germantownave for other routes to campus from the west. Note that the Wawa entrance/exit to Germantown Avenue is also closed, so you can't cut through the Wawa lot to get to the new south entrance on Germantown.

Gowen Avenue:
Gowen is now open through from east to west side of Germantown Avenue, and you can turn north on Germantown Avenue, but not south. If you do come this way to get to the Germantown Avenue entrances to campus, you will need to continue through the intersection, then continue through side street until you can turn left at a street past Allens Lane. Best to park in the Reed lot.

Our business neighbors continue to suffer from the construction project. Consider ways you can patronize them and help keep the neighborhood vital. See savetheave.org for more information.

Construction Update - Entrance Changes - 9/23

Special Note:

While the construction continues on the west side of Germantown Avenue across from campus, starting Tuesday 9/23 there will be periodic closures of Germantown from Allens Lane north, including the LTSP main entrance on Germantown Avenue. By 9/25, this will be a complete closure that is expected to last 2-3 weeks.

To reach the Brossman, Wiedemann and Hagan parking areas, take Germantown Avenue from the south. There is a just-opened entrance at the south end of campus, next to the plaza construction at the chapel. PennDOT has provided a sign at this location to direct you into the entrance, and flaggers will be in the area. Use caution as you drive past the chapel as construction workers continue to work on the new plaza and chapel exterior. THIS IS ALSO THE ROUTE TO EXIT THESE PARKING AREAS, SO BE DRIVE SLOWLY AND BE ALERT FOR EXITING VEHICLES.

With these closures, you may prefer to use the Reed lot, which you can access from the east using Gowen Avenue.

See Ltsp.edu/germantownave for maps and alternate routes to campus.

Updated to include entrance photos and additional information.

Germantown Av construction through 9/20

Construction work on Germantown Avenue continues to impact the LTSP campus in several areas, with work continuing in the same areas as last week. The Gowen Avenue intersection work continues with finishing work, with northbound Germantown Avenue traffic being detoured onto East Gowen. Westbound traffic on Gowen from Stenton is detoured at Ardleigh except for local traffic - which means the Reed lot remains accessible but the street is closed at Germantown. Be sure to see Ltsp.edu/germantownave for routes to campus, and be sure to give yourself extra time to allow for temporary traffic stoppages.

Here is specific information for work during the coming week:

Gowen Avenue intersection will be tied up until finishing work is done. Subsequently, Gowen will be opened partially from the north (Chestnut Hill) to allow traffic to Cresheim Cottage Cafe and West Gowen Avenue. You will NOT be able to turn left onto Gowen from the north. Access from the north to East Gowen and the Reed lot is only from the Stenton end of East Gowen. Motorists coming from Stenton on Gowen are detoured left at Ardleigh Street to right on Mt. Airy Avenue to Germantown Avenue; turn right at Germantown to access the Brossman parking lot through the main campus entrance. Motorists continuing north on Germantown Avenue will be forced to make a right turn onto East Gowen, which allows you to access the Reed lot.

Construction will continue in the Allens Lane intersection across from the LTSP campus. There will be alternate traffic patterns and congestion on both Germantown and Allens Lane. Be careful to keep right at all times since traffic remains 2 way. There are no turning lanes or shoulders while the alternate traffic patterns are on place.

Mermaid Lane, Chestnut Hill: Crews are beginning prep work on the sidewalks at Mermaid Lane. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS WILL REMAIN, with pedestrians routed along the east side of the sidewalk to the flower shop at the trolley turn-around.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue Web site, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our community's merchants.

Germantown Av construction through 9/13

Construction work on Germantown Avenue will continue to impact the LTSP campus in several areas. The Gowen Avenue intersection work continues with track being laid and finishing work, with northbound Germantown Avenue traffic being detoured onto East Gowen. Westbound traffic on Gowen from Stenton is detoured at Ardleigh except for local traffic - which means the Reed lot remains accessible but the street is closed at Germantown. Be sure to see Ltsp.edu/germantownave for routes to campus, and be sure to give yourself extra time to allow for temporary traffic stoppages.

Here is specific information for work during the coming week:

No work scheduled Saturday 9/6 due to the anticipated heavy rains. Work resumes Monday 9/8.

Gowen Avenue intersection will be tied up for the next week as track is laid and finishing work is done. Subsequently, Gowen will be opened partially from the north (Chestnut Hill) to allow traffic to Cresheim Cottage Cafe and West Gowen Avenue. Access from the north to East Gowen and the Reed lot is only from the Stenton end of East Gowen. Motorists coming from Stenton on Gowen are detoured left at Ardleigh Street to right on Mt. Airy Avenue to Germantown Avenue; turn right at Germantown to access the Brossman parking lot through the main campus entrance. Motorists continuing north on Germantown Avenue will be forced to make a right turn onto East Gowen, which allows you to access the Reed lot.

Construction will continue in the Allens Lane intersection across from the LTSP campus. There will be alternate traffic patterns and congestion on both Germantown and Allens Lane. Be careful to keep right at all times since traffic remains 2 way. There are no turning lanes or shoulders while the alternate traffic patterns are on place.

Mermaid Lane, Chestnut Hill: By the middle/end of the week of 9/8, crews will begin prep work on the sidewalks at Mermaid Lane. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS WILL REMAIN, with pedestrians routed along the east side of the sidewalk to the flower shop at the trolley turn-around.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue Web site, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our community's merchants.

Germantown Av Construction through 8/29

Construction work on Germantown Avenue will be impacting the LTSP campus in several areas. If you have been around campus, you've seen that construction work is going on to remove the sidewalk and shoulder on the east (LTSP) side of the avenue from Gowen Avenue toward the refectory. Be sure to see Ltsp.edu/germantownave for routes to campus, and be sure to give yourself extra time to allow for temporary traffic stoppages.

PennDOT has reported that the project is on schedule for completion in November, but there will be impacts to campus through the fall. Note that there will always be access to campus, but you will find that some approaches will be detoured and may be temporarily closed. Subscribe to the weekly RSS feed at ltsptraffic.blogspot.com or watch email for weekly updates.

Here's the latest for the week ending August 29:

Weekend work and evening work: The final concrete pour in the current closure will take place beginning at 4 am Saturday, 8/23.

The contractors are hoping not to work over the Labor Day holiday weekend, but that depends upon their progress through 8/29.

Status of Other Aspects of the Project:

McPherson Street will open to traffic on Monday, August 25th. The contractors will open up parts of Germantown Avenue within the current closure as the concrete and cobblestones cure.

Gowen Avenue closure and detours: The intersection of Gowen Avenue will be closed to through traffic for the next 3 1/2 weeks. Motorists coming from Stenton on Gowen will be detoured at Ardleigh Street (to reach the Reed lot you will be considered local traffic and should be able to pass).

Exiting Reed lot, you will need to turn right out of the driveway. Take the Ardleigh detour - right onto Ardleigh, right onto Mt. Airy, left onto Germantown - to reach Germantown Avenue southbound. To reach northbound Germantown, turn right out of the driveway, turn left onto Boyer, then left at Roumfort and right onto Germantown. Be careful, there are many residents in the area.

Motorists coming north on Germantown Avenue will be forced to make a right turn at Gowen, allowing you to reach the Reed lot if going northbound on Germantown (but see instructions on exiting Reed lot).

Bryan Street (off west Allens Lane) will be open to two-way traffic temporarily for the benefit of residents of West Gowen Avenue, Gowen Circle and the 7300 block of Bryan.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av construction through 4/16

The Germantown Avenue closure north of campus continues, along with work at the intersection of Germantown and Gowen Avenues, with additional hours of work scheduled overnight. Students returning or moving to campus should refer to the previous alert entry for more information on guiding your move back to campus. See ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate directions to campus and travel information. Here's what to look for through the 16th:

Weekend work and evening work: There will be work at the Gowen Avenue intersection the evening of 8/8 until 11 and likely Saturday, 8/9 as well. There will be work from 4 am until 7 am the week of 8/11 inside the closure as concrete is poured There might also be activity beginning at 11 pm or midnight inside the closure. This will include lights.

Work from Nippon to Allens Lane - in front of campus - is coming Monday 8/18: There will be work on the west side sidewalk area from Nippon to Allens Lane, across from campus, the week of the 18th. This will result in lane shifts during the daytime. Businesses and campus will be accessible, but the turn into campus may be tight.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. - Week of August 5

Construction continues at the intersection of Gowen and Germantown Avenues, as well as in the closure north of Gowen Avenue. Students moving to or back to campus should read the special information below. You'll find alternate routes and other information on getting to LTSP on the Web at Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Here's the latest information on the construction:

Construction this week: The work at the Gowen Avenue intersection continues, with lane closures and temporary traffic stoppages during construction hours. Traffic moves, but the space is tight. There will be work from 7 am until 11 pm Wednesday-Friday, August 6-8, inside the closure.

This closure is scheduled to open at or near the begining of September. At that time, the work will move to the Gowen Avenue intersection. Also in early September, major work will commence in the Germantown Avenue/Mermaid Lane area at the northernmost part of the project. In both cases, PennDOT and the construction company are working on a plan to reduce the impact on motorists and pedestrians, as well as to affected businesses. Details will be provided as they become available.

FOR STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS HOUSING:
The construction at the Gowen Avenue intersection will present challenges for maneuvering large vehicles such as self-move trucks. Plan your approach to campus and parking with large vehicles accordingly:

WIEDEMANN RESIDENTS should approach campus from the south along Germantown Avenue to avoid the construction. There are construction signs in the shoulder of the roadway, and the main campus entrance requires a hard right turn; the drive right curves a bit once you enter, followed by a left past the Muhlenberg statue to enter the Wiedemann lot. Take care to avoid the stone pillars on the wall on either side of the entrance, and plan your turn to consider the obstacles in the roadway and the turn once you enter campus.

PERIPHERAL HOUSING RESIDENTS should approach from Stenton Avenue, taking Gowen to the Reed Lot entrance or to stop in front of the houses on Gowen. This will avoid the construction at Gowen and Germantown Avenues. The Reed entrance is tight (and has two-way traffic) and curves to the left. Also note that the Reed lot itself is one way once you enter the lot - make an immediate right and circulate counter-clockwise through the lot. Take care on entering and exiting Reed as residents park on both sides of Gowen.

View or download the campus map online at ltsp.edu/campus/campus.htm. See ltsp.edu/germantownave for directions to campus from different approaches, as well as an area map. Construction at the Gowen intersection has been stopping around 4 pm, though with work in the closure area continuing through to 11 pm there may be workers and vehicles around the intersection.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. Construction to 8/1

Germantown Avenue construction continues mainly to the north of the LTSP campus, including lane changes and temporary traffic stoppages at the intersection of Germantown and Gowen Avenues. The intersection remains open to traffic, and the closure remains on Germantown Avenue between Gowen Avenue and Roumfort Road. Visit Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes and directions to the LTSP campus. Here's the latest from PennDOT and West Mt. Airy Neighbors:

WORK INSIDE CLOSURE:
Weekend work: There will be work inside the closure this Saturday, 7/26.

Pedestrian Access around the closure: The week of 7/28, there will be sidewalk laid on the west (New Covenant Church/Cresheim Cottage Cafe) side of the closure. This could result in pedestrian access through the closure being rerouted somewhat. However, there will be no loss of pedestrian access. Please note that Cresheim Cottage Cafe will remain open throughout this period, although access might be changed a bit as the sidewalk directly outside is rebuilt.

HEAD'S UP FOR FUTURE WORK:
In early September, major work will commence in the Germantown Avenue/Mermaid Lane area at the northernmost part of the project (in lower Chestnut Hill). In addition, the construction project will move more fully into the Gowen Avenue intersection soon after that. In both cases, PennDOT and the construction company are working to reduce the impact on
motorists and pedestrians. Details will be provided as they become available.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the
construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for
updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can
support our merchants.

Germantown Av Construction through July 20

The Germantown Avenue construction continues to move south toward the LTSP campus, with the most direct impact being the continued work at the intersection of Germantown and Gowen Avenues. Check Ltsp.edu/germantownave for the latest updates and alternate routes to campus. Here's the latest in construction news:

CLOSURE WILL BE MOVED:
On Tuesday, July 15th, workers will be moving the closure to the south side of Roumfort Road: Roumfort itself will then be open to traffic from the north. McPherson Street will be closed at this point.

Beginning Tuesday, construction will proceed on day and evening shifts for a week. There will be no work the weekend of July 19. This closure is expected to last for about 6 weeks. Access to the Trolley Car Diner and New Covenant Campus remains from the north.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE:
Work at the Gowen Avenue intersection will continue. Gradually, the sewer work will be moving south along Germantown Avenue ahead of the work inside the closure. Expect some lane closures and temporary stoppages at and near the intersection at times.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue Web site, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. update through 7/12

Work continues on Germantown Avenue, with some work close to campus. Work also continues on the renovations of the LTSP chapel, which has the sidewalk on Germantown Avenue closed from south edge of campus to Allens Lane. Access to the LTSP campus remains open to both the Brossman and Reed parking lots. See Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to campus and other information.

WORK INSIDE THE CLOSURE:

The current closure continues from the south driveway of the Trolley Car Diner through the south entrance to the New Covenant campus. Workers will continue to lay cobblestones in the closure area are weeks. The current road closure will last for several more weeks. Access to the Trolley Car Diner and New Covenant Campus is from the north.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE:

Work at the Gowen Avenue intersection will continue al least through the end of this week. The intersection will be closed in the evenings and into the night as it has been recently with detours posted. There may be temporary traffic stoppages at the intersection during daytime hours with police directing traffic. Delays will be minimal.

There is continued work around the bridge near the intersection of Cresheim Valley Drive and Germantown Avenue with minimal impact on motorists and pedestrians.

Germantown Av. Construction through 6/22

Construction work continues north of the seminary campus, with detours remaining the same and no work directly effecting campus. Note that those coming from the north via Germantown Avenue will need to detour. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to LTSP. Here's the latest for this week:

GERMANTOWN AVENUE CLOSURE:
The closure continues in the area south of the Trolley Car Diner. Access to the diner and New Covenant campus is from the north (Chestnut Hill). Workers are working a single day shift for a week or so, with new curbstone, trolley tracks and sidewalks coming through the week, and concrete for the track structure to be poured the week of June 23. This work is scheduled to continue for the next several weeks.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE:
Sewer work outside the closure from McPherson Street to Gowen Avenue will continue though the end of June. The barrier will be moved south to just below Gowen. PECO will continue work on the west sidewalk from Allens Lane to Nippon Street (in the area of Wawa and the bank) this week. This may require lane shifts. Note that LTSP's chapel construction has closed the sidewalk in front of the chapel.

Construction on the Gowen Avenue intersection is expected to begin at the end of June or the beginning of July.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. construction through 6/14

Construction work continues north of the seminary campus, with detours remaining the same and no work directly effecting campus. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to LTSP. Here's the latest for this week:

GERMANTOWN AVENUE CLOSURE:
The closure continues in the area south of the Trolley Car Diner. Access to the diner and New Covenant campus is from the north (Chestnut Hill). Workers are working a single day shift for a week or so. This work is scheduled to continue for the next several weeks.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE:
Sewer work outside the closure from McPherson Street to Gowen Avenue will continue though the end of June. The barrier will be moved south to just below Gowen. PECO will be doing work on the west sidewalk from Allens Lane to Nippon Street (in the area of Wawa and the bank) for a few days this week. This may require lane shifts. Note that LTSP's chapel construction has closed the sidewalk in front of the chapel.

Construction on the Gowen Avenue intersection is expected to begin at the end of June or the beginning of July.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. Construction through 6/7

Construction work continues north of the seminary campus, with detours remaining the same and no work directly effecting campus. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to LTSP. Here's the latest for this week:

GERMANTOWN AVENUE CLOSURE:
The closure is in the area south of the Trolley Car Diner. Access to the diner and New Covenant campus is from the north (Chestnut Hill). This work is scheduled to continue for the next 7 weeks.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE:
Until June 21 or thereabouts, there will be sewer work outside the closure from McPherson Street to Gowen Avenue. This work will take place behind the existing barrier. Also, there will be continued work on the old stone bridge just south of the intersection of Germantown Avenue with Cresheim Valley Road, as well as on the fountain. This work will not affect traffic. PECO will be doing work on the west sidewalk from Allens Lane to Nippon Street (in the area of Wawa and the bank) for a few days this week. This may require lane shifts.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Ave Construction through 5/31

Construction has moved to the next closure phase, south of the Trolley Car Diner, and portions of the work will reach to north of Gowen Avenue. Driving routes to the LTSP campus remain unchanged, see www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to LTSP from different directions. Here's the latest information from PennDOT and West Mt. Airy Neighbors:

CLOSURE UPDATE
New Covenant Church and Trolley Car Diner traffic are being routed from Cresheim Valley Drive. Thus, both the Trolley Car Diner and New Covenant will be accessible from Chestnut Hill. There is walking access through the construction area, making the Diner and Chestnut Hill accessible from LTSP and Mt. Airy along Germantown Avenue by foot.

The next closure is from the New Covenant Church driveway south to just before McPherson, including the intersection of Roumfort Road. The contract calls for this closure to last for 8 weeks.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
For the next two weeks, traffic will be moved to the west curbline as work continues outside the closure on the east side of Germantown Avenue down to Gowen Avenue.

Also, there will be continued work on the old stone bridge just south of the intersection of Germantown Avenue with Cresheim Valley Road, as well as on the fountain. This work will not affect traffic.

"MOVE ON DOWN BLOCK PARTY"
You are cordially invited to a "Move On Down Block Party" to celebrate progress on the reconstruction project -- Saturday, May 31st from noon -- 2 pm on Germantown Avenue from Cresheim Valley Road to the Trolley Car Diner. Enjoy free water ice courtesy of Trolley Car Diner, enter for a chance to win a high-end DVD player and free video rentals from TLA Video, and savor delicious treats and beer from Night Kitchen and Brewer's Outlet. New offerings are being added as we speak, so that's not all! All are welcome!

Germantown Av construction through 5/23

The closure zone will be moving next week, with no changes to the closure through the weekend. Access to the LTSP campus for Commencement will not be impeded, other than the closure on Germantown Avenue in the area of the Trolley Car Diner. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for current directions to campus from many points.

NEXT WEEK AND THE CLOSURES:
It is again possible to walk between Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, though the sidewalk may be redirected around the construction closure.

The week of 5/18 is a transition week for the closures. The current closure will be opened, based on current plans, and the next closure will begin on or around May 21. At that point, access to the Trolley Car Diner will be from Chestnut Hill, and access to New Covenant Campus will be from Mt. Airy. The Diner plans to put up signage to direct traffic when that transition occurs.

The closure on or around May 21 will be from the southernmost entrance to Trolley Car Diner to just north of McPherson Street (all north of LTSP). Rain might delay this transition somewhat, so please be flexible in getting to where you need to go. This closure is anticipated to last for 8 weeks. There will be pedestrian access throughout.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
Right now, work continues in the McPherson intersection area to prepare for the change in closures. Storm and sewage work will then continue on the east side up to Gowen Avenue. This work cannot be done in the rain, so precipitation might delay progress.

Also, there will be continued work on the old stone bridge just south of the intersection of Germantown Avenue with Cresheim Valley Road, as bridge repairs are finished and the green area is restored. This work will not affect traffic, but there will be vehicles parked on the shoulder at some points.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue Web site, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support the community's merchants.

Germantown Av Construction through 5/18

The next phase of major construction is slated on or about May 22, which means access to campus through Commencement May 18 will not change. Also, the Trolley Car Diner will remain accessible from Mt. Airy during Helping Hands week benefiting LTSP, so even if you need to drive to participate, you won't need to detour. Be sure to check Ltsp.edu/germantownave for directions and alternate routes to campus. Here are some specifics:

CRESHEIM VALLEY DRIVE IS OPEN:
Cresheim Valley Drive reopened Friday, 5/9 as scheduled. Pedestrian access from Chestnut Hill to Mt. Airy has been restored -- please follow signs.

NEXT CLOSURE SLATED TO TAKE PLACE MAY 22ND:
The next closure, from the southernmost entrance to Trolley Car Diner to just north of McPherson Street, is scheduled to take place on or about May 22nd. At that time, access to the Trolley Car Diner will be from the Chestnut Hill side.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
Roumfort Road has been reopened. McPherson Street will close for sewer work this upcoming week. There will be work near McPherson on the east side of Germantown Avenue.

REMEMBER: Helping Hands benefits LTSP 5/12-5/18 - the Trolley Car Diner will donate 20% of all receipts (with coupon) Monday, May 12 through Commencement, Sunday, May 18 (M-F 7am-9pm, S-S 3pm-9pm). See details and download the necessary coupon: Ltsp.edu/helpinghands

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av Construction through 5/9

This week will see some progress as parts of the first phase are wrapping up. Expect more changes at the north end of construction near Cresheim Valley and the diner in the coming weeks. Be sure to consult Ltsp.edu/germantownave for suggested alternate routes to the LTSP campus. Here are a few specifics:

Germantown Avenue remains closed at Cresheim Valley Drive and Germantown Avenue south to the area in front of the Trolley Car Diner. Detours remain in effect.

CRESHEIM VALLEY DRIVE CLOSURE:
Cresheim Valley Drive is still scheduled to reopen on May 9th.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO BE RESTORED:
Pedestrian access is to be restored by 5/5 from Chestnut Hill to Mt. Airy, first on the east side of Germantown Avenue and then moving across the Avenue. Please watch for and follow posted signs.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
There will be work outside the closure around the intersection at Allens Lane, across from campus, along the west side of Germantown Avenue in front of campus, and in other parts of the project, which may cause temporary lane closures but will not cause major delays.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Ave construction through 5/3

PennDOT and the contractors report that there will be a continued delay in completing this phase of the construction, and work will continue in the same areas as last week. Be sure to check www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for the latest in updates and for alternate routes to campus. Here's this week's roundup:

CRESHEIM VALLEY ROAD AND FIRST GERMANTOWN AVENUE CLOSURE:
Germantown Avenue is closed at the construction site at Cresheim Valley Road, and Cresheim Valley is also closed at the intersection at the junction of Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. Detours remain in effect, with the main detour talking traffic east to Stenton Avenue using Mt. Airy Avenue at the south end in Mt. Airy and Willow Grove Avenue at the north end in Chestnut Hill. All businesses close to the closure can be accessed via Germantown Avenue. This phase will continue for about two more weeks, and the sidewalk access between Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill will remain closed until this phase is completed.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
Some utility construction will continue outside the closure area, including PGW work in the area of Allens Lane. Lane closures are possible, but the Avenue will remain open to traffic.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project.Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants. Our business neighbors have taken a significant financial hit during the construction, and need to be supported to help keep our community alive and viable. The ice cream and treat trolley at the Trolley Car Diner recently opened for the season, later than usual due to construction.

Germantown Av Construction week of 4/21

Much of the work remains at the northern end of the construction area up to Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive. The next significant change will be around May 5, when the closure will move south. The only direct effect to the LTSP campus area may be PGW work on the west side of Germantown Avenue. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes and more. Here's the latest from PennDOT and WMAN:

CRESHEIM VALLEY ROAD AND FIRST GERMANTOWN AVENUE CLOSURES:
The crews are still hoping to make the planned April 24th reopening of Cresheim Valley Road. We will let you know as soon as possible if there is a change to that plan.

The first closure -- from the railroad underpass up past the entrance to Trolley Car Diner -- is scheduled to open on or about May 5th. At that time, the closure area will move sout to include the area outside of New Covenant Church. Information about the closures is available at this site: www.wman.net/germantownave14b.pdf. At that time, Trolley Car Diner will be accessible from Chestnut Hill.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURES:
The gas work will be completed at Gowen Avenue and will be moving down toward Allens Lane over the next week. This will result in shoulder and sidewalk closures.

Also, there is digging behind the barrier near Roumfort Road and McPherson Street, which will sometimes result in temporary lane closures.

Finally, there is work along the west side sidewalk next to New Covenant Church.

INTERSECTION/GERMANTOWN AVENUE AND ROUMFORT ROAD
The closure of Roumfort Road at Germantown Avenue will continue until further notice.

RESTORATION OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
Access to Chestnut Hill for pedestrians will be restored when the first closure opens, on or about May 5th. Pedestrians will be directed either just inside the New Covenant Campus or along the west sidewalk. The Trolley Car Diner will be accessible this way by foot; drivers will need to come from Chestnut Hill via Germantown Avenue to reach the diner once the closure is moved.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av Construction - 4/13-18

Construction work this week will remain focused around the Cresheim Valley Drive area and current closure. Note that there will be some Philadelphia Gas Works activity in the areas of Gowen Avenue and Allens Lane along the west side of Germantown Avenue, across from the seminary, which might require lane changes. Check www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to the LTSP campus.

Here's the latest from PennDOT and West Mt. Airy Neighbors:

CRESHEIM VALLEY ROAD CLOSURE/WORK INSIDE THE CLOSURE:
The Cresheim Valley Road closure will likely go later than the orginally scheduled date of April 24th. We will let you know more as we learn more. Work will take place on Saturdays and possibly Sunday. See the March 31 Alert for more details.

WORK NEAR WINSTON ROAD, CHESTNUT HILL:
There will be work during the week in and around the Winston Road intersection with Germantown Avenue. The TLA shopping center will remain open and accessible.

INTERSECTION/GERMANTOWN AVENUE AND ROUMFORT ROAD
The closure of Roumfort Road at Germantown Avenue will continue until future notice, as deep storm and sanitary lines are installed.

OTHER WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE
PGW is working from Roumfort to Gowen, followed by the construction crew. They will be moving as far as Allens Lane soon. Expect shoulder and sidewalk closures in this area.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av Construction 4/5-4/12/08

Work continues at the north part of the construction zone, with no significant work planned near the LTSP campus. Also this week, LTSP will be celebrating ground breaking for the new Gateway Plaza in front of the chapel at the southern end of campus along Germantown Avenue. The plaza comes about in part to take advantage of the work that will be done to the campus frontage on Germantown due to the reconstruction project, and will see the removal of about 100 feet of the wall at the southern end of campus, and creation of a street-level public space from Germantown Avenue to the new offices of the SEPA synod of the ELCA, which will be constructed in the chapel lower level. LTSP will be adding a new entrance to the chapel with modern handicapped access along with other improvements to the chapel and surrounding grounds, including air conditioning. Ground breaking is scheduled for Friday, April 11 at 1pm in the space to be occupied by the plaza. All are invited to attend.

Here are details on Germantown Avenue construction for the week:

CRESHEIM VALLEY ROAD CLOSURE:
The Cresheim Valley Road closure is scheduled to last until April 24th. We will alert you to any changes to that schedule as we get them. See the March 31 LTSP traffic entry for more details.

WORK OUTSIDE STRIP MALL AT BOTTOM OF CHESTNUT HILL:
There will be pipe work next week outside the mall which contains TLA Video, but those businesses are all accessible.
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INTERSECTION/GERMANTOWN AVENUE AND ROUMFORT ROAD
Roumfort Road at Germantown Avenue is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, April 8th.

OTHER WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE
PGW is working from Roumfort to Gowen, followed by the construction crew. Overall, some parts of the project are being started outside the closures in order to shorten the length of time those areas are closed later.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue Web site, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Alternate routes to the LTSP campus and other travel suggestions can be found at Ltsp.edu/germantownave.

Germantown Av construction through 4/5

Construction this week continues to focus on the northern part of the area, from Roumfort through the closure at Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive, and also on the Chestnut Hill side of the construction. See ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to campus and links to maps. Here are some details:

CRESHEIM VALLEY ROAD CLOSURE:
Cresheim Valley Road (which runs from Germantown to Stenton Aves. on the east side of Germantown Avenue; it's Cresheim Valley Drive on the west side) will close at Germantown Avenue on Thursday, April 3rd. This closure is scheduled to last for three weeks. The detour (from West Mt. Airy) will be from Cresheim Valley Drive to Lincoln Drive to Willow Grove Avenue to Stenton Avenue. Traffic will be allowed as far as Crittenden on the east side of Cresheim Valley Road, coming from Stenton. Be sure to consult a map of this area if you plan to use these routes - roads are not aligned and change names depending on thier location.

The current closure, from the intersection of Cresheim Valley Drive and Germantown Avenue up to the northern entrance to New Covenant Campus, is scheduled to be completed at the same time that Cresheim Valley Road is reopened. At that time, pedestrian access to Germantown Avenue can also be restored.

WORK BETWEEN MERMAID LANE AND CRESHEIM VALLEY:
Again on the Chestnut Hill side of the construction, there will be work on drainage around Mermaid Lane to Cresheim Valley. This could result in lane shifts and other changes in traffic patterns, both during the day and at night. Winston Road will remain open at all times. Merchants at the bottom of Chestnut Hill's commercial district will remain open for business.

INTERSECTION/GERMANTOWN AVENUE AND ROUMFORT ROAD
The closure of Roumfort Road at Germantown Avenue will continue until further notice.

OTHER WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE
You will see some other work throughout the construction zone outside the current closure as crews work to replace and repair utilities in advance of the closures.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember that all businesses remain open during the construction project. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information, including special promotions and information on how you can support our merchants.

Germantown Av. Construction - 3/22-3/27

No real changes in the construction work this week, and no work directly effecting the LTSP campus. Be sure to check www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave before coming to campus for alternate routes. Here's the latest from WMAN:

There is not too much new to report since last week. Most of the work continues inside the closure. Construction workers will be doing some work at night at the intersection of Cresheim Valley Road and Germantown Avenue in preparation for the closure of that intersection for three weeks in April. This night work will result in lane shifts at some times.

Workers are finding that the age of the infrastructure under the intersection at Roumfort Road is hampering progress there, so that part of the project has been slowed somewhat.

We will continue to report changes in traffic patterns as they are planned.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
All businesses on Germantown Avenue are open and ready to serve you! Remember that you can travel north on Germantown Avenue past Gowen to get to destinations such as the Trolley Car Diner and New Covenant Campus. Note that there is a new flower shop at the corner of Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Road -- a perfect place to purchase Easter flowers.

Please visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy.

Germantown Av. Construction 3/17-3/22

There are no real changes in construction for this week. Most of the reconstruction work is within the closure at Cresheim Valley Drive and Germantown Avenue, with continued work on the stretch of Germantown Avenue between Gowen Avenue and the closure. There are no new efforts announced for the area directly around the LTSP campus.

PennDOT will let us know as soon as possible about specific dates for the Cresheim Valley Drive closure and the associated detour. At the moment, they are taking test drillings to assess that part of the project, which might lead to temporary single lane closures at Cresheim Valley, but no detour yet.

Roumfort Road at the intersection with Germantown Avenue will be closed soon -- as soon as Monday the 17th of March -- for two weeks.

PECO will continue to work along the Avenue.

There will be both weekend and night work until further notice.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
All businesses on Germantown Avenue are open and ready to serve you! Remember to visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy.

Germantown Av Construction Update - 3/8-3/15

Construction work continues with the closure at Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive, and utility work elsewhere south on Germantown Avenue. Those attending the Preaching with Power events on campus on Tuesday, 3/12, Wednesday, 3/13, and Friday, 3/15, will find all campus parking accessible, and only drivers approaching from the north using Germantown Avenue (or heading back north) need to worry about detouring. 

Here's a detour hint, if you're coming down Germantown Avenue through Chestnut Hill - as long as Cresheim Valley Drive is open (see below) - don't take the detour at Willow Grove Avenue, but continue down the hill and turn left onto Cresheim Valley Drive at the construction closure. Take Cresheim Valley Drive to Stenton Avenue, and turn right on Stenton. This will avoid the typical back up on Stenton where it narrows to one lane southbound. For recommended alternate routes to campus, see www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave.

Here's the report for the coming week:

CLOSURE: GERMANTOWN AVENUE AT CRESHEIM VALLEY DRIVE
The current closure will be extended for a few weeks, likely until mid-April. At the same time, Cresheim Valley Drive will be closed for three weeks beginning in late March. We will provide you with more accurate closure dates, as well as a detour plan, as those pieces of information become available.

WORK OUTSIDE CLOSURE
Work outside the closure will proceed more or less in the way that it has in the last week - mostly utility work, with the addition of the closure of the intersection of Roumfort Road, possibly as early as Monday. This closure will not affect Germantown Avenue at Roumfort, but rather Roumfort itself. There may be some lane changes around the seminary to move traffic around work areas.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
All businesses on Germantown Avenue are open and ready to serve you! Remember to visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy.

Germantown Av Construction Update - 2/22-3/1/08

Here's the latest update on the Germantown Avenue reconstruction project - go to www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes and information about travel to the LTSP campus:

WORK INSIDE THE CLOSURE:
There is continued work behind the closure. This closure is scheduled to be completed in mid-March. Information about the closures are available at this site: www.wman.net/gertmantownave14b.pdf.

WORK OUTSIDE THE CLOSURE NEXT WEEK:
Low pressure gas line installation at Gowen Avenue will result in lane shifts. Likewise, gas line installation will take place in the west side sidewalk 100' in either direction of Gowen Avenue. This work is scheduled from 2/26 -- 2/29. This work will not commence until the work on the east side near the seminary has been completed. Expect lane shifts.

PECO will be laying conduits along the east side sidewalk from Gowen north over the next several weeks. These will be covered to enable residents to access the sidewalk.

ACCESS TO TROLLEY CAR DINER AND NEW COVENANT CAMPUS
You may travel north on Germantown Avenue past Gowen Avenue in order to access New Covenant Campus and Trolley Car Diner. However, please turn on Gowen Avenue if you do not have business in that part of Germantown Avenue, as it is dangerous to have large numbers of vehicles trying to turn around near the closure site. The west sidewalk has remained open and it is possible to cross to the Trolley Car Diner if you walk there from campus.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
Remember to visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy. It's important that we patronize our Mt. Airy businesses during this time.

Germantown Av. - mid-Feb. to mid-March

Most of the construction work is behind the closure from Cresheim Valley Drive south to the Trolley Car Diner area, with all access to businesses and residents being open from the south. Updates will be posted as this work ends, some time mid-March. Download information about the closure: www.wman.net/germantownave14b.pdf. You'll find directions and alternate routes to the LTSP campus at www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave.

In addition to work behind the closure, there will be continued installation of storm drains on the east side of Germantown Avenue from the closure south. Near Lutheran Seminary, there will be low pressure gas lines installed, and Philadelphia Gas Works is working between Roumfort and Gowen. Some of the work will require periodic lane closures but there will be no detours except for the closure area at Cresheim Valley Drive.

There will be weekend work, possibly two shifts on both Saturday and Sunday.

Remember that all Germantown Avenue businesses are open during construction. Visit the Save the Avenue website, www.savetheave.org, for updated information on businesses and promotions. For those with young children, or who are young at heart, the windows of Trolley Car Diner are a great place to observe the heavy equipment at work!

Germantown Av. Construction 2/1-2/11/08

Germantown Avenue will continue to be closed to all traffic between Cresheim Valley Drive south to the upper driveway of the Trolley Car Diner, with detours in effect. Most of the work will now take place inside the closure area; this segment will be completed in about a month. See www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for alternate routes to campus. As traffic to campus will increase at times now that the spring semester is starting, give yourself extra time, and if possible take SEPTA Regional Rail R7 or R8 to avoid driving completely.

Here are some items of note:

There will be work in front of LTSP weekdays for the next couple of weeks - expect some lane closures but traffic will be able to pass on Germantown Avenue. Delays are possible, including buses with students from New Covenant Campus schools stopping at Germantown and Gowen to pick up and discharge passengers. See the Web site for directions to park in the Reed lot to avoid Germantown, or approach the main entrance and Brossman lot from the south if you do take Germantown.

There will be some work on Saturdays outside the closure - expect shoulder closings. Overall, there will be minimal impact on motorists.

Beginning Monday, February 4, there will be two shifts working inside the closure.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
Pedestrian access over the bridge near Cresheim Valley Drive will be closed before or on February 4. Subsequently, there will be no pedestrian access between Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill on Germantown Avenue during this closure period. You can take the Rt 23 bus/shuttle from Germantown and Mt. Airy Aves. to reach Chestnut Hill (see Route 23 Detour below).

ROUTE 23 DETOUR
For the duration of the closures, buses are detoured onto East Mt. Airy Avenue up to Stenton and back to Willow Grove Avenue. In addition, beginning February 10 shuttles will run north from the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Streets. SEPTA will endeavor to maintain its regular schedule despite the detour. Shuttles will run Monday-Friday until 8 pm; they will not run on weekends and holidays.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
Remember to visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in our Mt. Airy community. It's important that we patronize our Mt. Airy businesses during this time -- thanks!

Germantown Av Construction - 1/26-2/2/08

Construction is under way, with closure from the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive south to near the Trolley Car Diner. This phase will last about 6 more weeks The Diner and New Covenant Campus are accessible from the south; vehicle and bus traffic is detoured.

WORK OUTSIDE CLOSURE
While most of the work is taking place within the closure, there is some work which is taking place outside the closure:
1) The gas company will be connecting houses on Germantown Avenue between Gowen and McPherson to the new gas lines -- neighbors will be notified directly, with notices in front doors.
2) The large sewer pipes which have been lying on the eastern side of Germantown Avenue will be installed. Minimal impact on motorists.
3) Conduits will be laid on the eastern sidewalk or shoulder from Gowen north, beginning in mid-February and lasting for about 10 weeks. They will be barricaded off, but this will result in a narrower sidewalk.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
At the moment, the western sidewalk is open through the closure area -- please proceed carefully if you use this sidewalk. However, in about a week this access will be closed off, as the bridge over Cresheim Creek will be taken down below the roadway level and will be impassible. This means there will be no safe way to traverse the section between Cresheim Valley Drive and McPherson/Roumfort by foot. Pedestrians are urged to take the Route 23 bus during this time. We are looking at ways to make pedestrian access possible during the other closures.

TRAFFIC DETOUR:
The official detour is from Mt. Airy Avenue to Stenton to Cresheim Valley Road. While savvy motorists know that there are other options (see www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave for suggested alternate routes), everyone is urged to turn off Germantown Avenue at Gowen coming north, unless you are going to one of the homes or businesses between Gowen and the closure. Residents of the small streets on the east side -- McPherson, Roumfort, Devon, etc., are experiencing significant additional traffic, and motorists are frustrated because the one-way streets are laid out in such a way that it makes if difficult to get back to Gowen. Better to take Gowen in the first place. PennDOT is working to make signage clearer

ROUTE 23 DETOUR:
Many bus riders are experiencing frustration with long waits for shuttle service at the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Street. SEPTA has asked for riders' patience for another week as they work out the "bugs" in this new schedule.

When Germantown Avenue is closed, buses will be detoured onto East Mt. Airy Avenue up to Stenton and back to Willow Grove Avenue. In addition, beginning February 10th there will be shuttles running north from the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Streets. SEPTA will endeavor to maintain its regular schedule despite the detour. Shuttles will run Monday--Friday until 8 pm: they will not run on weekends and holidays.

Buses coming from the south carrying students to schools on New Covenant Campus will come as far as Gowen to drop the children off during this part of the closure.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION
All businesses on Germantown Avenue are open and ready to serve you! Note, for instance, that the Trolley Car Diner has added takeout deli that’s a short walk from campus. Remember to visit www.SaveTheAve.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy.

Germantown Av Construction - 1/18-1/27 - closures begin

The first closure of sections of Germantown Avenue will take place as rescheduled on January 21st. This closure will be between the rail overpass near Cresheim Valley Drive and Trolley Car Diner (north of campus). The southernmost two of the Diner's three driveways will be open. Likewise, the entrance to New Covenant Campus will remain open during this phase. Traffic will be detoured onto Cresheim Valley to Stenton to East Mt. Airy Avenue. However, Gowen Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive will be open for this part of the closure, which is scheduled to last for 49 days.

Please refer to this map: wman.net/germantownave14B.pdf, for more information about the planned closures. You will find directions and suggested alternate routes to campus at www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave.

As noted above, the first closure is scheduled to last 49 days: as we get further into the project, we will post dates for the other closures.

NIGHT WORK: Friday, 1/18, there will be work on the east side of Germantown near the intersection of Nippon Street. It is possible that water access will affect neighbors and businesses from Mt. Airy to Mt. Pleasant on the east side. These people are being informed directly. The work might extend through part of Saturday morning (1/19).

DAY WORK: There will be work this weekend (1/19-1/20) in front of Cresheim Cottage Cafe at Gowen, and the Lutheran Seminary between Gowen and Allens Lane, resulting in lane shifts. In addition, there will be ongoing work outside the closure area starting 1/21, along Cresheim Valley Drive and also between McPherson and Gowen.

ROUTE 23 DETOUR: When Germantown Avenue is closed, buses will be detoured onto East Mt. Airy Avenue up to Stenton and back to Willow Grove Avenue. In addition, beginning February 10th there will be shuttles running north from the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Streets. SEPTA will endeavor to maintain its regular schedule despite the detour. Shuttles will run Monday--Friday until 8 pm; they will not run on weekends and holidays. Buses coming from the south carrying students to schools on New Covenant Campus will come as far as Gowen to drop the children off during this part of the closure.

SAVE THE AVENUE COALITION: Remember to visit www.savetheave.org for more information regarding the project and its impact on businesses in Mt. Airy, and to support the businesses in the area to help keep Mt. Airy lively and viable for us all.

Germantown Av. update - 1/11-1/20

Important Note: PennDOT is pushing the next phase of construction back to Monday, January 21. This means there will be NO closure of the avenue the week of January 14.

This week:

NIGHT WORK: Friday night, 1/11, work was scheduled in front of Cresheim Cottage Cafe.

DAY WORK: Until the closure, work will continue all along the project area, as it has for the last few weeks. This includes some lane closures, flagging, etc.

CLOSURE OF GERMANTOWN AVENUE:
The first closure of sections of Germantown Avenue has been postponed until January 21. This closure will be between the rail overpass near Cresheim Valley Drive and Trolley Car Diner. The southernmost two of the Diner's three driveways will be open. Likewise, the entrance to New Covenant Campus will remain open during this phase.

Traffic will be detoured onto Cresheim Valley to Stenton to East Mt. Airy Avenue. However, Gowen Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive will be open for this part of the closure, which is scheduled to last for 49 days.

ROUTE 23 DETOUR:
When Germantown Avenue is closed, buses will be detoured onto East Mt. Airy Avenue up to Stenton and back to Willow Grove Avenue. In addition, there will be shuttles running north from the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Streets. SEPTA will endeavor to maintain its regular schedule despite the detour. Shuttles will run Monday--Friday until 8 pm: they will not run on weekends and holidays.

The closest 23 bus stop to campus will be at the intersection of Germantown and Mt. Airy Aves.

Buses coming from the south carrying students to schools on New Covenant Campus will come as far as Gowen to drop the children off during this part of the closure.

Plan alternate routes to campus to avoid the immediate Germantown Ave. area as much as possible, and remember that SEPTA R7 and R8 regional rail stops are within blocks of the campus. For alternate route suggestions and more information, see www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave.

Germantown Av. Construction Through Jan. 11

Work continues around campus in preparation for the major Germantown Avenue construction set to begin Monday, Jan. 14. Here's the latest from PennDOT via WMAN:

NIGHT WORK:
Tie-ins of water mains will be done during the night hours from 9:30 pm until 6 am through the week. Friday night the work was to be between McPherson and Gowen, and next week throughout the project.

Residential neighbors on Germantown Avenue, Roumfort and McPherson Streets: notices of water and other utility cut-offs will be through a note at your front door. Please check your front door and ask your neighbors to do the same. This work will not effect the seminary campus or on-campus residents.

DAY WORK:
Utility work will continue the length of the project until it is complete. This will result in intermittent sidewalk and shoulder closures, similar to what we have experienced over the last few weeks.

CLOSURE OF GERMANTOWN AVENUE:
The planned closure of sections of Germantown Avenue is scheduled to begin January 14th, between the rail overpass near Cresheim Valley Drive and Trolley Car Diner. The Diner will be open and accessible throughout this construction, and two of the Diner's three driveways will be open. The entire roadbed of Germantown Avenue will be reconstructed in sections, the trolley tracks replaced, and concrete and Belgian block will be restored. This will result in a series of detours beginning with this section. Traffic will be detoured onto Cresheim Valley to Stenton to East Mt. Airy Avenue. However, Gowen Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive will be open for this part of the closure, which is scheduled to last for 49 days. The closures will not begin until the above-referenced utility work is completed, so the schedule may change somewhat. We will update you as information becomes available.

ROUTE 23 DETOUR:
When Germantown Avenue is closed, buses will be detoured onto East Mt. Airy Avenue up to Stenton and back to Willow Grove Avenue. In addition, beginning February 10th there will be shuttles running north from the SEPTA depot at Germantown Avenue and Westview Streets. SEPTA will endeavor to maintain its regular schedule despite the detour. Shuttles will run Monday--Friday until 8 pm: they will not run on weekends and holidays.

Buses coming from the south carrying students to schools on New Covenant Campus will come as far as Gowen to drop the children off during this part of the closure, so be aware of buses at times on Gowen, especially when turning into or out of the Reed lot or if you park on Gowen.

You can find alternate routes to campus on the LTSP Web: www.Ltsp.edu/germantownave. Be sure to allow extra time when coming to campus, especially as everyone adjusts to new traffic patterns and detours.