Additional road closures will go into effect early next month as PennDOT continues work on the I-95 CAP project near Penn’s Landing. A portion of I-95 northbound will be affected, causing inconvenience for commuters. The closures will begin on Saturday, February 3rd at 6 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. that day. During this time, a single-lane closure will be in place between Exit 20 (Columbus Boulevard) and Exit 22 (Interstate 676). The following day, on Sunday, February 4th, starting at 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday, February 5th, northbound I-95 will be completely closed with detours in place between Columbus Boulevard and the northbound ramp from I-676.
The closures will also affect access to various ramps. Access to I-95 North, excluding I-676 West, will be available at the ramp from Summer Street at Columbus Boulevard, located just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Another option is to continue north on Columbus Boulevard to the Girard Avenue/Aramingo Interchange (Exit 23). For drivers looking to reach I-676, they will be directed to continue north on Columbus Boulevard, turn left on Spring Garden Street, and then left on 6th Street to access I-676 East. Alternatively, they can take Spring Garden Street and turn left on 8th Street to access westbound I-676. Those heading north on I-95 from south of the Walt Whitman Bridge and drivers on westbound I-76 from New Jersey are advised to use I-76 West and I-676 East to access I-95 North.
PennDOT has made efforts to inform drivers about the closures and detours through electronic message boards on major roadways. Alternative highways are being encouraged to alleviate traffic congestion, and those remaining on I-95 will be detoured to Christopher Columbus Boulevard. The closures are part of the $329 million I-95 CAP project, which aims to replace and expand the existing covered section of I-95 and improve connections between Center City and the Delaware River waterfront. Additionally, the project will introduce a tied arch bridge and a pedestrian-friendly park.
Construction on the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, another component of the project, began in September and is expected to keep the bridge closed until 2027. As a result of this ongoing construction, eight SEPTA bus routes have been rerouted with new start and end locations on Market Street in Old City.
Drivers are advised to plan their routes accordingly and leave ample time for travel during the affected dates. The closures and detours may cause delays and increased traffic congestion in the area. PennDOT urges drivers to exercise caution and patience while the construction work continues.
In conclusion, the upcoming road closures on I-95 northbound will impact traffic in the area as PennDOT advances with the I-95 CAP project. Commuters should familiarize themselves with detour routes and plan their trips accordingly to minimize disruption.
