PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a significant closure for eastbound Interstate 76, commonly known as the Schuylkill Expressway, this weekend to perform critical bridge deck repairs. Scheduled from 9:00 PM on Friday, September 27, until 4:00 AM on Monday, September 30, the closure will affect the stretch between the Grays Ferry Avenue/University Avenue exit (Exit 346B) and just before the 34th Street on-ramp.
During this period, a regional detour will redirect traffic via I-676 East (Vine Street Expressway) to I-95 South, or alternatively, I-476 South to I-95 North. Local traffic is advised to exit at Grays Ferry Avenue/University Avenue (Exit 346B) and utilize the University Avenue Bridge/34th Street to reconnect with I-76 East. Despite the main thoroughfare closure, all entry and exit ramps to the eastbound Schuylkill Expressway will remain accessible throughout the weekend.
Electronic message boards placed strategically on I-76 and surrounding transport routes will guide motorists with alternate routes and updates regarding the closure. This operation is being coordinated in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, SEPTA, and other regional stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption and comprehensive information dissemination.
Pending favorable weather conditions, the same segment of I-76 East is scheduled for closure over two additional weekends: from 9:00 PM on Friday, October 4, to 4:00 AM on Monday, October 7, and from 9:00 PM on Friday, October 11, to 6:00 AM on Sunday, October 13. These closures will facilitate extensive repair work on deteriorated concrete sections and re-surfacing of the bridge decks that span the Schuylkill River, CSX rail tracks, and adjacent infrastructures including Grays Ferry Avenue, Wharton Street, and Reed Street.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternative routes and avoid the closure areas to mitigate traffic congestion both on the expressway and nearby surface streets. For real-time updates and further traffic advisories, visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center.
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