PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a city like Philadelphia, traffic disruptions can be a major inconvenience. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has issued a significant travel alert for motorists, causing ripples in the City of Brotherly Love. Southbound Interstate 95, the economic artery of our bustling city, will be closed and diverted from this evening (February 24) to Monday morning (February 26). PennDOT cites continued demolition in relation to the $329 million CAP project as the reason for the closure. Yes, it’s inconvenient. But let’s remember, it’s for the greater good.
Motorists, if you are planning your weekend travels, be prepared to encounter the following restrictions due to these developments – provided the weather complies:
On Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, a single lane closure has been planned on I-95 South between I-676/Callowhill Street (Exit 22) and Walnut Street. Also, the ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South will be closed from 4:00 PM Saturday to 5:00 AM Monday. But don’t get lost, signage will guide you to detour through the Ben Franklin Bridge and other routes to get back on I-95 South at Morris Street. Trucks have a different route, so watch that signage too!
Furthermore, I-95 South will be completely closed from 5:00 PM Saturday to 5:00 AM Monday between I-676/Callowhill Street (Exit 22) and the Morris Street on-ramp. Again, signage will lead drivers to use the alternate routes.
A note to remember, the Market Street ramp to I-95 South which was closed on Monday (February 19) will remain so through Monday, March 11. Drivers will be directed to follow detour signs to southbound Columbus Boulevard and access I-95 South at Morris Street.
Remember, it’s best to avoid these closure areas as significant backups and delays are expected on I-95 and other alternate routes. More regional detours will be set in place, guiding motorists to use other Interstates, U.S. routes, and the New Jersey Turnpike to access I-95 South. For updates on the route, you may want to visit PennDOT’s I-95 CAP Closure Detours page on its 511PA website, which showcases real-time travel information.
These closures are part of a massive team effort, coordinated with neighboring states, the City of Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, SEPTA, and other regional stakeholders and transportation agencies.
Why the trouble you ask? Well, the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project aims to improve pedestrian and multimodal connections between Center City and the waterfront. The project includes a new Park at Penn’s Landing and a brand-new bridge at South Street, which will enhance connections to the newly completed Delaware River Trail.
An inconvenience today, a boon tomorrow, the new Park will be a sprawling 11.5-acre civic space extending over Columbus Boulevard and spanning I-95. The park will be enriched with amenities like gardens, play areas, a Pavilion and more. So, while the traffic jams may frustrate you today, tomorrow we’ll enjoy a beautiful addition to our skyline.
Drive safe, Philadelphia!
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