Residents of the Northeast Purpose and Need Residents of the Northeast, concerned about their quality of life and the livability of their neighborhoods, first prompted the Planning Commission to review transportation improvements for the Northeast. Previous studies of the Northeast also strongly suggested pursuing more thorough examination of major enhancements. The major roadways within the study area, including Roosevelt Boulevard and I-95, are heavily congested and operate at low levels of service during long peak travel periods.
Parallel roadways offer little relief due to numerous signalized intersections.
Also, transit schedules and routes provide limited travel options, particularly for trips of a few miles or more. Although the existing bus system is extensive, trip times can be long, thereby reducing accessibility to major activity centers and contributing to the attractiveness of auto travel. Access to high-speed public transportation also remains inadequate. Peripheral commuter rail service has limited parking facilities and direct access to heavy rail service continues to be available only to a small fraction of travelers. Air Quality Philadelphia s air quality ranks among the lowest of all U.S. metropolitan areas.