Anticipate Delays on I-95 Northbound as PennDOT Prepares for Major Reconstruction

Lane Closure - Traffic Alert

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Travelers on northbound Interstate 95 in Northeast Philadelphia should brace for a series of lane closures next week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced. The closures, which are slated to begin Monday, May 13, and extend through Thursday, May 16, are necessary for core borings and the installation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) — crucial preparatory steps for a significant overhaul of this busy corridor.

During the evening hours from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, drivers will encounter a right lane closure between the Betsy Ross Bridge and Allegheny Avenue interchanges, and similarly on the off-ramp to the Betsy Ross Bridge. These closures are designed to facilitate the collection of core samples, a key activity that informs the design phase of the upcoming I-95/AF3 project. This ambitious initiative aims to reconstruct northbound I-95 and its structures between Ann Street and Wheatsheaf Lane, with tentative plans to commence in 2025.

Additionally, daytime travelers will not be spared disruption. On Tuesday, May 14, and Wednesday, May 15, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a right lane closure will be implemented between the Academy Road and Betsy Ross Bridge interchanges for ITS installation—a component of the ongoing permanent reconstruction project at the Cottman Avenue interchange.

Motorists navigating this stretch of northbound I-95 next week are advised to allocate extra time for their journeys. The anticipated backups and delays highlight the broader challenges of balancing critical infrastructure improvements with the immediate impact on daily commutes. PennDOT underscores that all scheduled activities are contingent on weather conditions, suggesting that flexibility may be the name of the game for those affected by the construction.

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This forthcoming work on I-95 underscores the ongoing effort to enhance roadway safety and efficiency in one of Philadelphia’s most vital transport arteries. With the reconstruction project set to begin in earnest in 2025, these preliminary closures serve as a reminder of the extensive planning and preparation involved in modernizing our aging infrastructure.

Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.

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