PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced significant closures and detours on southbound Interstate 95. Starting on Saturday evening, February 26, until the following Monday, southbound I-95 commuters will face a major reroute. This disruption comes as PennDOT forges ahead with its promising $329 million CAP project for Penn’s Landing.
With the goal to replace and expand the covered area over I-95, the project is set to cause significant backups and delays. The effects will be most pronounced between I-676/Callowhill Street and the Morris Street on-ramp in Philadelphia. Forewarning commuters, drivers are advised to take note of the following travel restrictions.
As of 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, a single-lane closure will be in place on I-95 South. This will stretch between I-676 and Walnut Street, causing significant delays. Later, the horror for travelers expands. From 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, to 5:00 AM on Monday, February 26, I-95 South will be a no-go-zone between I-676/Callowhill Street and the Morris Street on-ramp. Motorists will need to comply with the new traffic arrangement which includes alternate routes announced by the traffic authorities.
During the same period, a left lane closure will be in place on I-95 North between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street. This will add to the traffic chaos. Further complicating matters, when I-95 South closes at 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, four ramps will also close, including the Market Street ramp to I-95 South, and the ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South.
Drivers are being directed to alternative routes, with truck traffic provided specific directions to ensure smooth movement. Motorists are being advised to steer clear of the closure area where possible. Anticipated significant backups and delays mean I-95 and several surface streets in the closure area are best avoided.
In an attempt to manage traffic flow, several additional regional detours will also be set up. These will guide motorists to use a range of alternate routes including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, I-476, U.S. 1, the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295 and U.S. 130 to access I-95 South below the closure area.
Electronic message boards on prominent roads like I-76, I-95, I-276, I-476 and other regional transportation arteries in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey will be used to alert motorists about the closure and provide specific alternate routes.
Pennsylvania isn’t navigating these significant changes alone. The weekend closures are being coordinated with neighboring states Delaware and New Jersey, alongside the City of Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, SEPTA and other key regional stakeholders.
PennDOT’s ultimate goal? A pedestrian and multimodal connections upgrade for the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project. The project boasts two main components: a new Park at Penn’s Landing and a new bridge at South Street. The project will not only serve the motorists but also provide recreational spaces including an 11.5-acre park filled with amenities that include gardens, play areas, a contemplative setting for memorials, and a timber Pavilion.
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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