PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a significant closure on northbound Interstate 95, a main artery through Center City Philadelphia. The closure, which will stretch from Columbus Boulevard (Exit 20) to Interstate 676 (Exit 22), will commence on Saturday evening, February 3, and extend until Monday morning, February 5.
This substantial disruption is due to the partial demolition of the existing concrete covering over I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut streets, part of the ambitious $329 million project to replace and expand the covered area at Penn’s Landing.
During the closure, officials have advised that northbound I-95 will remain open to Columbus Boulevard (Exit 20) for local traffic only, indicating potential gridlock for those attempting to traverse the city during this time.
Starting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 3, there will be a single-lane closure on northbound I-95 between the Columbus Boulevard (Exit 20) and I-676 (Exit 22) interchanges. After 6 p.m., the entire stretch will be closed and detoured.
Significant backups are expected on I-95 near the work area, as well as on Columbus Boulevard and surface streets within the vicinity. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the closure area if possible.
Several ramps, including those to northbound I-95/I-676 from just north of Washington Avenue at Columbus Boulevard, and to northbound I-95 from Lombard Circle at Columbus Boulevard, will also be closed during this period.
Despite the disruptions, pedestrian access between Center City and the waterfront will be maintained on Dock Street and Market Street throughout the construction process.
To reach I-676, motorists will be directed to either continue north on Columbus Boulevard, turn left on Spring Garden Street, and left on 6th Street to access I-676 East; or take Spring Garden Street and turn left on 8th Street to access westbound I-676. Motorists can also continue north on Columbus Boulevard to the Girard Avenue/Aramingo Interchange (Exit 23) and use I-95 South to access I-676 West.
Electronic message boards on I-76, 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.
This weekend closure was coordinated with neighboring states, Delaware and New Jersey, along with the City of Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, SEPTA, and other stakeholders and transportation agencies across the region. Additional closures of I-95 will be scheduled at a later date to demolish the remaining parts of the northbound cover and the covering over southbound I-95.
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.