As we reported earlier, the University Avenue/34th Street Bridge over the Schuylkill river has been closed for repairs since Jan. 2 for approximately three weeks. As it was expected the area near the bridge is congested and motorists are advised to take detours over Grays Ferry Avenue, Woodland Avenue and 38th Street.

Penn and city police are deploying additional overtime officers to assist motorists in congested areas and to assist with traffic control at some vital intersections. One of the problems that the police are dealing with during the bridge closure is illegal U-Turns from the Westbound I-76 South Street ramp to the Eastbound South I-76 South Street ramp. “U-turns on the South street bridge is both illegal and hazardous, and negatively impact the congestion,” reads a Traffic Advisory by Penn Public Safety.

The University City Science Center (UCSC) will soon get its own residential building. Plans have been revealed for a construction of a 27-story apartment building on the UCSC campus near 36th and Market Streets. The construction, which will begin in the fall of 2013, is expected to be completed in early 2015. The new 400,000 square feet building will be a mix of studio, efficiency and one- and two-bedroom apartments (364 total!) and will also include a fitness center, a rooftop pool, 200 parking spaces, and about 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. In addition, the building will be topped off with a green roof.

“This new project will add an entirely new dimension to the Science Center and our campus. It will help us achieve our goal of ‘activating’ our campus and creating a dynamic environment in which to live, work and play,” says Science Center President & CEO Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., MBA. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2013, we are looking to the future – and the future of the Science Center centers on a vibrant 24/7 community.”

The project is a joint venture between Wexford Equities, the parent company of Wexford Science & Technology, and Southern Land Company.

The UCSC, one of the nation’s largest urban research parks, was established in 1963.

A car fire stopped traffic near 40th and Walnut streets this afternoon. A reader, James, took these photos shortly before 3 p.m. after the fire had been put out. James said that several streets were closed due to the incident. We’re trying to get more information on what happened and if anyone was injured.

Photos by James Buckley.

Happy New Year, everyone! Now many of you will start thinking about what to do with your Christmas tree. Of course, you can just take it outside on your trash pick-up day and it will be collected by the city. But, if you want to get rid of your tree in a more eco-friendly way, here are some options.

– Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling Day – Saturday, Jan. 5

Bring your tree to Clark Park (43rd & Chester) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it will be turned into wood chips instead of landfill. The mulch produced from the recycled trees will be used in neighborhood parks and gardens. Suggested donation is $10 per tree which will go to support UC Green and its neighborhood greening efforts. For more information, please contact Sue MacQueen at 215-573-4684 or suemacqueen@ucgreen.org.

You can also drop off your used household electronics, including computers and anything else with a plug! This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of any potentially harmful materials. For more information, contact Seth Budick at 215-243-0555 or seth@universitycity.org. 

– If you want to keep your tree a little longer please keep in mind that the Streets Department starts accepting trees for composting and mulching beginning Monday, Jan. 7. You can drop off your tree at one of sanitation convenience centers through Saturday, Jan. 19. The Southwest Philadelphia Sanitation Convenience Center is located at 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. For more information call 215-685-4290 or visit this page.

After a week-long service disruption due to the fire at Elena’s Soul, Route 34 trolley has resumed normal operation this morning. SEPTA advises to expect some residual delays while full operations are restored.

The University Avenue/34th Street Bridge crossing the Schuylkill River in the Grays Ferry section will be closed for repairs and cleaning for approximately three weeks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2, according to a PennDOT announcement. The bridge is part of a common route to access Interstate 76.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians. During this period drivers should expect an increase in traffic and are advised to detour over Grays Ferry Ave., Woodland Ave. and 38th St. The bridge, which is a double-leaf drawstring bridge, has been in operation since 1930 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

In addition, Penn Public Safety has posted an announcement that Spruce Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 34th Street to 38th Street from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Friday, Jan. 4 to 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, for installation of a crane. Drivers are advised to follow marked detour signs during this time.