PHILADELPHIA, PA — Drivers traveling southbound on Interstate 95 in South Philadelphia should brace for overnight disruptions next week as PennDOT begins work that will lock in a new traffic pattern for years to come.
PennDOT said line striping and barrier installation will take place Wednesday, December 17, through Friday, December 19, as part of a $37.4 million federally funded bridge repair project targeting high-priority interstate structures along critical travel corridors.
Each night, a single lane closure will be in effect from 9:00 PM to midnight, followed by a double lane closure from midnight to 5:00 AM, on southbound I-95 between Christian Street and Packer Avenue. Officials warned that backups and delays are likely throughout the overnight work window. All activities are weather dependent.
The operations will establish a long-term traffic configuration that will remain in place until late May 2026, allowing crews to carry out extensive bridge repairs while maintaining traffic flow through the corridor.
Under the contract, PennDOT’s crews will repair deteriorated bridge decks, superstructure elements, and substructure components. Planned work includes repairing structural steel, prestressed concrete beams, reinforced concrete decks, bridge railings, guiderail, and steel sign supports, along with replacing and sealing expansion joints.
Substructure repairs will involve work on bearing pedestals and steel bearings, concrete reconstruction, cleaning bridge seats, resetting expansion bearings, and debris removal beneath the bridges. In addition, 11 overhead steel sign structures will be cleaned and repainted, and existing roadway lighting will be upgraded to LED luminaires.
The project is being performed by IEW Construction Group, Inc. of Hamilton, New Jersey, and is funded entirely with federal dollars.
With overnight traffic patterns shifting for the long term, motorists are urged to plan ahead. For real-time lane closures, detours, and live traffic conditions before heading out, visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center.
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