PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced the reopening of a crucial section of southbound Interstate 95, which had been closed for demolition work. The section, located between I-676/Callowhill Street (Exit 22) and the Morris Street on-ramp in Center City Philadelphia, had been out of commission since 5:00 PM Saturday, February 24.
Alongside this stretch of I-95 South, two key ramps have also been reopened. These include the ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South, leading towards Chester/Philadelphia International Airport, and the ramp from I-95 South to Columbus Boulevard/Washington Avenue (Exit 22).
However, the Market Street ramp to I-95 South remains closed through early March. Drivers are advised to follow posted detour signs to southbound Columbus Boulevard and access I-95 South at Morris Street. Meanwhile, trucks will be directed to continue south on Columbus Boulevard and use Oregon Avenue and Front Street to reach the on-ramp to I-95 South.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the closures, the good news is that following the successful demolition work completed during two weekend closures in February, PennDOT has no plans for additional weekend closures on I-95. However, weeknight closures will be scheduled in March to allow for various construction activities in the work area.
These closures and construction efforts are part of the larger $329 million I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project. The project aims to improve pedestrian and multimodal connections between Center City and the waterfront by replacing and extending the cap over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets.
The CAP Project consists of two primary components: a new Park at Penn’s Landing and a new signature bridge at South Street. Both will extend over Columbus Boulevard to connect cyclists and pedestrians to the newly completed Delaware River Trail.
The new Park at Penn’s Landing will be an 11.5-acre civic space spanning I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets, extending from Front Street to the Delaware River. The park will feature a host of amenities, including gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, a contemplative setting for the Irish and Scottish Memorials, and a mass-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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