Southbound traffic along Interstate 95 in Philadelphia is set to undergo significant changes starting next week, as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) initiates a series of overnight lane closures. These closures are part of a long-term traffic shift related to a major bridge repair project along one of the region’s busiest routes.
Lane Closures and Traffic Patterns
The lane closures will take place from January 13 to January 16, 2024. Each night, a single lane will close from 21:00 to 00:00, followed by a double lane closure from 00:00 to 05:00. Motorists are advised to expect significant backups and delays during this time. By the morning of January 17, crews will have established a new long-term traffic configuration that will remain in effect until late May.
This revised traffic pattern aims to maintain three lanes of through traffic in the work zone, minimizing disruptions as critical bridge repairs are undertaken. PennDOT emphasizes that all scheduled activities are subject to weather conditions.
Details of the Bridge Repair Project
This initiative is part of a larger $37.4 million federally funded project focused on essential repairs to interstate bridges. The work will include the repair of deteriorated bridge decks, steel superstructure components, prestressed concrete beams, and bridge railings. Additionally, crews will replace expansion joints and deck seals and conduct substructure repairs on bearings and concrete elements.
Other enhancements will involve cleaning and repainting eleven overhead steel sign structures and upgrading existing roadway lighting to energy-efficient LED luminaires. The general contractor for this project is IEW Construction Group, Inc., based in Hamilton, New Jersey.
As the construction progresses, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed about changing conditions. For real-time traffic updates, lane closure alerts, and travel planning tools in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, individuals can visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center.
Staying informed will be crucial as this significant infrastructure project unfolds, impacting daily commutes and travel plans for many residents in the region.
