Northeast: Construction Begins on Ryers Station

Man, SEPTA’s really stepping its game up.

As the Fox Chase SEPTA Regional Rail Station finishes its makeover, the Ryers station just down the tracks in Burholme is starting its own.

The 18-month-project to reconstruct the Cottman Avenue station will include a 225-foot-long high-level platform and a new 240-foot-long ramp and stairway that will lead passengers to the platform.

The station platform will move from the east side of the track to the west, where a city-owned parking lot is located. This will improve the visibility and safety of the station for riders, according to the Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association.

There will also be a new passenger shelter, guard rail, benches, lighting, landscaping and signage.

An existing low-level platform, shelter and stairway will be demolished.

Portions of the parking lot will be closed during construction. The lot will lose two spots, but still will have 68 spots, three of which will be for handicapped drivers. The lot’s appearance will be improved.

Both the Fox Chase and Ryers Stations will be closed on the weekends from November 1st until December 15th for all-day construction. Shuttle buses will be available outside Fox Chase station to take passengers to the Olney Station platform during the duration of the construction. The Fox Chase Line train will start at Cheltenham station during that time period. 

By Tom Rowan Jr. and Gail Austin

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