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Philadelphia Launches $11.5 Million ‘Gateways to Philadelphia’ Cleanup at Seven Entry Points Ahead of 2026 Events

City leaders cast the effort as a lasting cleanup using public art plus horticulture supported by city, state and private funds.

Overview

  • Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the Gateways to Philadelphia initiative to remove graffiti, clean corridors, repaint infrastructure and add landscaping and murals at key approaches.
  • The first phase targets seven sites including 30th Street Station, the South Street Bridge, several I‑76/I‑676/I‑95 interchanges and the CSX/Amtrak wall at Spring Garden Street.
  • Total funding is about $11.5 million, with $6.5 million from the city, $3.5 million from PennDOT and additional private donations.
  • A 250th‑themed mural is planned along I‑76 at Spring Garden, with much mural installation scheduled at night and possible brief Amtrak corridor shutdowns for safety.
  • Work began in the fall with 95,000 bulbs planted and is slated to continue through May 2026, with PennDOT’s contribution described as supporting long‑term maintenance.