PHILADELPHIA, PA — Drivers using University Avenue in Philadelphia should prepare for significant backups beginning Monday, August 17, when a months-long bridge repair project reduces the roadway to a single lane in each direction around the clock between Grays Ferry Avenue and the I-76 East off-ramp.
At a Glance
- Roads Affected: University Avenue between Grays Ferry Avenue and the I-76 East off-ramp
- Dates: Monday, August 17, through Tuesday, December 15
- Times: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Reason: Bridge steel repairs and rehabilitation
University Avenue will remain reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the construction period. PennDOT expects the restrictions to remain in place through December 15.
During the first phase, northbound and southbound traffic will share the existing southbound lanes while crews repair the northbound side of the bridge. Once that work is completed, traffic will shift onto the northbound lanes so crews can repair the southbound side.
Pedestrian access will remain available throughout construction on the side opposite the active work area.
With more than 36,000 vehicles crossing the bridge each day, motorists should expect significant backups and delays. Plan extra time when traveling through the area or seek alternate routes when practical.
Crews will repair steel components including the bridge’s stringers, floor beams and diaphragms. Operator towers along the northbound lanes also will be cleaned, sealed and fortified with fencing to prevent vandalism.
PennDOT expects the steel repairs to improve the structure enough that the bridge will no longer be listed in poor condition once the work is completed.
Built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1985, the five-span University Avenue Bridge crosses the Schuylkill River and measures 546 feet long and 57.5 feet wide.
The repairs are part of a $16.2 million PennDOT project rehabilitating 14 bridges across Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Loftus Construction Inc. of King of Prussia is the general contractor, and the project is financed entirely with state funds.
All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
With around-the-clock lane restrictions scheduled for months, drivers should check conditions before traveling through the area. Visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center for current construction alerts, closures and other roadway conditions that could affect your trip: https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/
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