The Billion Dollar Plan That Won’t Fix Philly Traffic [Build Core]

“Philadelphia was founded on a clean, rational grid that set the standard for American city planning. But over 300 years later, that clarity is breaking down. Traffic congestion, decaying infrastructure, and a struggling transit system have pushed the city to act. Philadelphia is testing fixes like redesigned bridges, new bus lanes, highway caps, and an ambitious overhaul of Roosevelt Boulevard. At the same time, SEPTA faces a $213 million budget shortfall, threatening massive service cuts that could ripple across the city’s economy. These efforts reflect a city caught between the simplicity of its founding layout and the complex pressures of modern urban life. The question isn’t just whether these projects will help—but whether they’re enough to keep Philly functional in the face of rising demand. We went to Philadelphia to find out: are these just band-aids, or do they signal a real plan to keep the city moving?”