SEPTA announced it has awarded a contract to advance accessibility improvements on three subway stations, according to the agency's news release. 

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. will do architectural, design, and construction-related services for the Lombard-South and Ellsworth-Federal Stations on the Broad Street Line, and the Chinatown Station on the Broad-Ridge Spur.

These stations were built before the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are currently only accessible via stairs.

“Commencing design allows SEPTA to pursue competitive funding specifically for accessibility improvements at legacy rail stations,” said Pasquale T. Deon Sr., SEPTA Board chairman. “SEPTA continues to work with state and local funding partners to identify additional resources to help leverage and maximize federal dollars to address SEPTA’s capital needs.”

The $5,793,063 contract with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. will progress the design of Lombard-South, Ellsworth-Federal, and Chinatown Stations to 100%, according to SEPTA.

Once the design is completed, SEPTA can advance to the construction phase. Improvements that will make these stations fully ADA accessible and in a state of good repair include elevator installation; platform renovation; new signage, lighting, and security cameras; and waterproofing.

“Station accessibility is a core component of SEPTA Forward, the Authority’s Strategic Plan,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA GM/CEO. “We have made significant progress in upgrading our infrastructure, and we will continue to prioritize enhancements across the system to make SEPTA easier to use and more accessible to all.”