PHILADELPHIA, PA — At a celebratory event today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll marked the completion of permanent repairs to I-95 in northeast Philadelphia. This milestone comes less than a year after a devastating fire caused a section of the roadway to collapse. Weather permitting, all lanes on I-95 in this area will be open by 5:00 AM on Friday, May 24, just in time for the holiday weekend.
The reopening also includes one lane on the newly constructed ramp from northbound I-95 to Cottman Avenue. Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary Carroll led a coordinated response involving state, local, and federal authorities to ensure the roadway reopened safely and swiftly. The project consistently ran ahead of schedule, thanks to the dedication of all involved.
The new bridge and ramp replace those destroyed in a tanker truck crash and fire on June 11, 2023. Just 12 days after the incident, a temporary six-lane roadway was constructed, allowing traffic to resume on June 23. The permanent outer sections of the new bridge were completed last November, shifting traffic from the temporary center lanes to the finished structure.
“Today shows Pennsylvania’s ability to accomplish significant tasks,” said Carroll. “Thanks to the workers and excellent coordination among the Shapiro Administration, our federal partners, and the City of Philadelphia, we restored I-95 to full capacity in under a year.”
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt praised the effort: “Through tireless work by local, state, and federal teams, we’re thrilled to celebrate the complete reopening. This success showcases our collective resolve to maintain one of the nation’s busiest highways.”
Philadelphia Deputy Managing Director Mike Carroll highlighted the cooperation: “The Parker Administration is proud of the collaboration between PennDOT, the Biden Administration, and city departments. This project is a model for future infrastructure work.”
Enhanced safety features, including new signage and High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST), are part of the improvements on the northbound ramp to Cottman Avenue. HFST increases pavement friction, helping vehicles stay in their lanes and improve stopping distances.
Motorists should allow extra travel time as backups and delays will occur in remaining work zones. All activities are dependent on weather conditions.
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.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.