As the Papal Visit quickly approaches, we’ve compiled a quick guide to getting through the weekend. Whether you plan on attending any of the events, taking the opportunity to enjoy a weekend getaway, or simply are navigating to and from work, here are the key dates and transportation updates to know in preparation.
For Reinhold residents, our customer service personnel (front desk) will be in place, and we will have two maintenance technicians staying within the city for any weekend service calls. These calls should be placed as normal and will be handled on a priority basis. There may be some delays due to crowds, which make make it difficult to get around the city. Our leasing offices will close at 3 pm on Friday and will reopen at 10 am on Monday.
For up-to-date information about city events during the weekend, including restaurants and businesses that are open, follow #OpenInPHL, the City of Philadelphia, and Visit Philly. Not sure if you will be affected by the travel restrictions? This map from the World Meeting of the Families outlines the designated areas and when they go into effect.
Sunday, September 20
Affects residents of the Metropolitan and the Lofts at Logan View. May affect Packard residents, even though it is not located directly in the restricted area.
Parking restrictions begin at 6:00 pm around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Art Museum going east to 12th Street in Center City. You may also purchase a parking pass from the Philadelphia Parking Authority, allowing you to continue parking on the street until Thursday, at which point you must move your car to a designated garage.
Public transportation will be running business as usual through Friday.
Monday, September 21
Affects Trinity Row residents.
Parking restrictions continue at 9:00 am by the Art Museum, extending north and south of the Parkway.
Tuesday, September 22
May affect residents of the Chocolate Works, Waterfront I, and Waterfront II, even though they are not located directly in the restricted area.
The World Meeting of the Families, a gathering of people from around the world, begins at the Convention Center and will last until Friday.
Parking restrictions begin in Old City at 6:00 pm, extending from 12th Street to 3rd Street.
Wednesday, September 23
At 9:00 am, designated emergency routes will be cleared of parked cars.
Thursday, September 24
Anyone who has purchased a parking pass from the Philadelphia Parking Authority must move their vehicle to their designated garage from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
At 10:00 pm, road closures and travel restrictions will begin to go into effect. The following Septa stations also close at 10:00 pm: Regional Rail’s Suburban Station, Market Frankford’s 15th Street and 5th Street stops, Broad Street’s City Hall stop, and Trolley’s 15th (East and Westbound) stop.
Friday, September 25
The final day of the World Meeting of the Families is held.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, I-676, and parts of I-76 will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 10:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26
The Papal Visit begins with the Pope giving a speech at Independence Hall at 4:45 pm. This will be followed by the Festival of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around 6 pm. The festival will feature performances by Andrea Boccelli and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Septa Subway, Bus, and Trolley lines will be running with altered schedules – but tokens, transfers, weekly, and monthly passes will all be accepted. However, walking or biking will be the best way to get around the city. Bikes are allowed in the festival grounds by the Parkway.
Septa Regional Rail will be running express service to select stations, and a pre-purchased, one-day Papal Visit Pass will be required to board.
Sunday, September 27
The Pope will say an open-air mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 4 pm.
Septa schedules will operate the same as on Saturday. Walking or biking is recommended.
Monday, September 28
Parking and travel restrictions will be lifted once the designated areas are cleared.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge will open to vehicles at 12 pm.
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