Beginning Feb. 28, the North Fourth Avenue and Fleetwood Street tunnel in Coatesville will close permanently to motor vehicle traffic in order to be converted into a pedestrian underpass.

Advance closure signs have been posted as preliminary work gets underway. The planned walkway will allow for safe passage of pedestrians to and from the east and westbound platforms of the Coatesville Train Station, commuter parking, and surrounding neighborhoods.

According to Angela Watson, PennDOT’s Director of Rail, Freight, Ports & Waterways, current activities include implementing erosion and sedimentation controls, clearing and grubbing on the south side, site excavation, and soil management. Drivers will soon be directed to Third Avenue or North Chester Avenue to connect to Coates Street.

Improved road signs and lighting will be some of the standard features for the new train station and pedestrian design funded by PennDOT.

“The City of Coatesville continues to move in a positive direction, and we are pleased to see the overwhelming response from Amtrak, PennDOT, SEPTA, and local stakeholders as this long-awaited transportation and safety project comes to fruition,” said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager.

Situated just east of the existing historic station on Third and Fleetwood, the new $65 million Coatesville Train Station project is scheduled for completion in 2025. Ground was broken in October 2021 to develop a station that offers ADA accessibility and improves the overall function and amenities. The new facility will feature high-level platforms with canopies and seating; stair and elevator towers; an audio/visual public address system and security cameras; bicycle racks; more parking spaces; and accommodation for multi-modal connections.

Streetscape projects for Third and Fourth avenues were completed in 2019 and 2020 to improve access from Coatesville’s downtown area.