PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia motorists, brace yourselves for a series of nighttime disruptions on the Schuylkill Expressway. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a significant lane closure scheduled for Sunday night, May 12, under a comprehensive $36.8 million initiative aimed at revamping nearly five miles of Interstate 76. This extensive project not only targets the expressway’s surface but extends its reach to refurbishing over 20 bridges and associated on-and-off ramps.
The lane closure is set to span both eastbound and westbound directions between the Montgomery Drive and Spring Garden Street interchanges from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. Additionally, come Monday night, drivers will encounter a shoulder closure along sections of eastbound I-76, stretching from the U.S. 1 (City Avenue) interchange to I-676. This secondary disruption, slated for the nights of May 13 through May 17 in the same 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM window, is necessary for guiderail installation and utility work.
With these closures, PennDOT warns of potential backups and delays, urging those traveling through the affected areas to allocate extra time to their journeys. Given the notorious congestion of the Schuylkill Expressway, even slight adjustments to its traffic flow can translate into significant holdups, especially during peak travel hours.
This resurfacing and repair operation encompasses a range of improvements designed to enhance the durability and safety of I-76. Among them are milling and overlaying the pavement, repairing and replacing concrete bases, shoulders, and barriers as required, and making minor grade adjustments at select locations. The project also includes updating signage, installing new pavement markings, delineators, rumble strips, and undertaking necessary bridge repairs.
Such comprehensive efforts promise to bolster the infrastructure of one of Philadelphia’s key arteries, ensuring smoother and safer commutes for its users. However, as with any large-scale transportation project, patience is paramount. Motorists navigating this stretch of the Schuylkill Expressway during the outlined periods should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.
All planned activities hinge on suitable weather conditions, meaning schedules may shift if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate. For now, Philadelphia drivers are advised to stay informed, prepare for slower traffic on the nights of May 12 through May 17, and look forward to the smoother rides that await at the project’s conclusion.
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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