Philly Preparing For Post-Super Bowl Activity

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia officials are preparing for post Super Bowl LIX excitement in city Sunday.

With the Eagles taking on the Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans, officials said public safety is their top priority, and preparations are being implemented ahead of the weekend.

"As the Philadelphia Eagles team and management prepare to take the stage for Super Bowl LIX – know that our entire city stands behind you,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said. "I want to take a moment to thank the dedicated city workers who are working tirelessly to keep our streets safe and our neighborhoods clean. Philadelphia’s spirit is built on passion and unity and there’s no better time to show that than now. I urge everyone to stay safe and make our city proud."

Below are details on Philadelphia's preparations:

Parking Restrictions & Car Relocation

Residents and businesses Thursday will begin to see “Temporary No Parking Signs” along the South Broad Street corridor and around City Hall.

The “No Parking Zone” will go into effect at 10 a.m. Saturday. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours may be relocated.

Temporary parking restrictions will be in place along the side streets of South Broad Street from Lombard Street to Chestnut Street, around Cottman and Frankford Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia, and around S. Broad Street in South Philadelphia.

The “No Parking Zone” in these areas will go into effect on Sunday, and vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours may be relocated.

Anyone who believes their car has been relocated should call the police district of the area where your car was parked.

Possible Road Closures

At the discretion of the Philadelphia Police Department and as part of the City’s public safety strategy, road closures along South Broad Street from Lombard Street to Chestnut Street, including side streets, may go into effect Sunday morning at the conclusion of towing operations.

Officials said more temporary traffic closures may be needed to maintain public safety in the area of City Hall and surrounding Center City streets between 12th and 16th Streets and Spring Garden and Lombard Streets, as well as the 676 ramp at Broad Street, east and west.

Roads anticipated to close are:

• Frankford Avenue (Princeton Avenue to Bleigh Avenue)
• Cottman Avenue (Leon Street to Erdrick Street)
• Ryan Avenue (Leon Street to Erdrick Street)
• Charles Street (Princeton Avenue to Cottman Avenue)
• Erdrick Street (Wellington Street to Tudor Street)
• Saint Vincent Street
• Wellington Street
• Englewood Street
• Aldine Stree
• Tudor Street
• Oregon Avenue (13th Street to 15th Street)
• South Broad Street (Oregon Avenue to Porter Street)
• Shunk Street (S. Broad Street to W. Moyamensing Avenue)
• West Moyamensing Avenue (Juniper Street to S. Broad Street)

Travel delays should be expected. Drivers are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time when traveling in these areas.

Public Transportation

On Sunday, SEPTA could implement temporary route detours or service interruptions on mass transit.

Passengers may experience delays and service is subject to change.

The following stations may be temporarily closed on Sunday evening:

• Market-Frankford Line: 15th Street, City Hall, 13th Street, 11th Street
• Broad Street Line: Walnut-Locust, City Hall, Race-Vine
• Regional Rail Lines: Suburban Station and Market East

Public Safety Information

Throughout the day, the City will provide law-enforcement support, traffic control, and emergency medical services at key locations for public safety. In addition, the public should expect congestion in these areas.

The Philadelphia Fire Department will be standing by with emergency response vehicles staged in various locations in Center City. This includes fire suppression companies, EMTs and Paramedics, our Special Event Response Team which will be patrolling the area on foot and on bikes, and our HAZMAT unit which monitors for any biological or chemical concerns.

Be mindful of the critical life-safety work of our first responders by creating space for them to operate emergency vehicles in the streets or by allowing room for them to work during a response.

Officials also remind the public that alcohol and injury do not mix well. Alcohol thins the blood, which can make even a minor injury more dangerous and riskier. Climbing poles is dangerous, especially with alcohol in your system, officials said. A fall from the height of a pole or structural collapse can cause serious injuries and hospitalization.

A young Temple University student died after falling from a pole following the Eagles NFC Championship victory.

Do not attempt to climb anything, and don’t let your friends do it either, officials urged Thursday.

Bags or items should not be left unattended.

In an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item — such as a backpack, a package, a container — notify a police officer immediately or call 911. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

Drone use is prohibited above crowds for the safety of the public. Anyone who sees an unauthorized drone should inform the nearest public safety official, providing the drone’s location and, if possible, the operator’s location.