PHILADELPHIA, PA — Drivers using the Schuylkill Expressway through Center City should prepare for major nighttime disruptions followed by a full weekend shutdown as crews demolish portions of the Market Street Bridge over Interstate 76.
At a Glance
- Roads Affected: Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges
- Dates: Sunday, Oct. 4, through Monday, Oct. 12
- Times: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Sunday through Thursday; continuous closure from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday
- Reason: Market Street Bridge demolition
PennDOT said either eastbound or westbound I-76 will close between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning Sunday, Oct. 4, through Thursday, Oct. 8.
Which direction closes each night will depend on demolition progress and events at the South Philadelphia sports complex, according to PennDOT.
The disruption escalates the following weekend. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, I-76 will close in both directions between I-676 and 30th Street and remain closed continuously until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12.
Eastbound drivers will be directed to exit at Arch Street/30th Street, turn left onto Chestnut Street, then turn right onto Schuylkill Avenue before using the Walnut Street ramp to return to eastbound I-76.
Westbound drivers will exit at Walnut Street and follow Schuylkill Avenue to ramps providing access to westbound I-76 and I-676.
PennDOT warned that significant backups and delays are expected on the detour routes and around the work zone. Drivers should plan extra time, consider alternate routes and avoid the affected stretch when possible, particularly during the continuous weekend closure.
The demolition is part of PennDOT’s $148.9 million Market Street bridge rehabilitation project. Work includes replacing the bridges over Amtrak and I-76, repairing and redecking the bridge over the Schuylkill River, and replacing the bridge over the Schuylkill River Trail and CSX Railroad.
The Market Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River also remains closed as part of an approximately 14-month rehabilitation.
Before heading toward Philadelphia, check the latest closures, delays and trouble spots through the MyChesCo Traffic Center so you can adjust your route before getting caught in congestion: https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.