by KYW's Mike DeNardo

This is the first weekday of a nine-day shutdown for elevated train reconstruction in West Philadelphia.

At 69th Street, a SEPTA worker (above) directed commuters to a shuttle bus.
  
It's all because of the ongoing reconstruction project on the Market-Frankford Elevated. Shuttle buses are running in place of the el between 40th Street and 69th Street, and cars are being detoured around the intersection of 63rd and Market (right).

The detours started on Friday, but this was the first day that weekday commuters like this woman had to deal with it:

"Oh, it's very inconvenient. I just found out I can't take the (Route) 21 straight down to Broad and Chestnut. I have to catch this and get off at 40th Street and catch the 21 at 60th Street, off and on the bus."

(DeNardo): "Would you normally take the el?"

"Yeah, every morning."

(DeNardo): "So how much time is this adding to your commute?"

"At least an hour."

She'd better get used to it. This phase will last until next Monday, and a 16-day shutdown is scheduled for August. 


(Photos by KYW's Mike DeNardo)