PHILADELPHIA, PA — Drivers face a major traffic shift and months of significant delays on University Avenue as both directions move onto the newly repaired northbound side of the bridge over the Schuylkill River.
At a Glance
- Roads Affected: University Avenue between Grays Ferry Avenue and the Interstate 76 East off-ramp
- Dates: Thursday, September 24, through Tuesday, December 15
- Times: 24 hours a day
- Reason: University Avenue Bridge steel repairs
Beginning Thursday, September 24, northbound and southbound traffic will shift onto the repaired northbound lanes while crews begin work on the southbound side. The traffic pattern is scheduled to remain in place through Thursday, November 19.
If weather postpones the shift, PennDOT will move the work to Friday, September 25, or Monday, September 28.
University Avenue will remain reduced to one lane in each direction between Grays Ferry Avenue and the I-76 East off-ramp through Tuesday, December 15. Pedestrian access will remain available on the side opposite the active construction area.
Drivers should plan extra time, expect significant backups, and seek alternate routes when possible.
Crews will repair steel stringers, floor beams, and diaphragms. The project also includes sealing the bridge’s operator towers and installing fencing to prevent vandalism. PennDOT expects the structure to be removed from poor condition once the repairs are complete.
The five-span bridge was built in 1929, reconstructed in 1985, and carries more than 36,000 vehicles daily. Its rehabilitation is part of a $16.2 million state-funded project covering 14 bridges across Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
Stay ahead of shifting traffic patterns and developing delays by checking the MyChesCo Traffic Center before traveling at https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/.
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