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Traffic Triangle Retrofit at 47th and Grays Ferry

Intro
The rain garden installed in the traffic triangle at 47th and Grays Ferry reduces the flow of stormwater into the combined sewer system through on-site infiltration, thus reducing overflows to the river and non-point source pollution from stormwater runoff.
Project Description

Traffic triangles are often under-utilized parcels within the urban landscape. The vegetated, but unused traffic triangle at the intersection of 47th and Grays Ferry in West Philadelphia was retrofitted with a rain garden to provide a gateway feature for the community and nearby university while managing stormwater from the adjacent streets. Stormwater from Paschall Street and Grays Ferry Avenue is diverted into the traffic triangle through trench drains, where it can pond and infiltrate into the soil. The gardens are planted with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that will tolerate the fluctuating conditions and provide year round interest as a gateway landscape.

Traffic triangles are often under-utilized parcels within the urban landscape. The vegetated, but unused traffic triangle at the intersection of 47th and Grays Ferry in West Philadelphia was retrofitted with a rain garden to provide a gateway feature for the community and nearby university while managing stormwater from the adjacent streets. Stormwater from Paschall Street and Grays Ferry Avenue is diverted into the traffic triangle through trench drains, where it can pond and infiltrate into the soil. The gardens are planted with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that will tolerate the fluctuating conditions and provide year round interest as a gateway landscape.

Traffic triangles are often under-utilized parcels within the urban landscape. The vegetated, but unused traffic triangle at the intersection of 47th and Grays Ferry in West Philadelphia was retrofitted with a rain garden to provide a gateway feature for the community and nearby university while managing stormwater from the adjacent streets. Stormwater from Paschall Street and Grays Ferry Avenue is diverted into the traffic triangle through trench drains, where it can pond and infiltrate into the soil. The gardens are planted with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that will tolerate the fluctuating conditions and provide year round interest as a gateway landscape.

Watershed Issues Addressed
Stormwater Management

Location

LatLon
39.94143,-75.20882
Watershed
Schuylkill
Address
47th and Grays Ferry Street, Philadelphia, PA
Neighborhood
Paschall - Kingsessing
Lead Agency
Philadelphia Water Department
Partners
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
University City Green
University of Sciences in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Department of Recreation
Philadelphia Streets Department
Status
Complete

Tools Employed

Green Infrastructure
rain gardens
Waterways Restoration
Traditional Infrastructure
Community Partnerships