Traffic on southbound Interstate 95 in Philadelphia will experience significant disruptions as overnight lane closures commence next week. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that these closures are essential for a long-term traffic shift linked to critical bridge repair work.
Details of the Lane Closures
From January 13 to January 16, 2024, crews will carry out barrier installation and related construction activities overnight. Each night, one lane will close from 21:00 to 00:00, followed by a double lane closure from 00:00 to 05:00. PennDOT has warned that significant backups and delays are anticipated during these periods. The new traffic pattern is expected to be fully operational by 05:00 on January 17.
This revised traffic configuration will remain in place until late May, allowing three lanes of traffic to flow through the work zone at all times. The changes aim to facilitate necessary repairs to the bridge while minimizing disruption to commuters.
Scope of the Bridge Repair Project
The lane closures are part of a larger project funded by $37.4 million in federal resources, focused on high-priority repairs to interstate bridges. The initiative seeks to enhance safety, mobility, and the structural integrity of the region’s infrastructure. Specific tasks will involve repairing deteriorated bridge decks, steel components, prestressed concrete beams, and various bridge railings and guiderails.
Additionally, crews will replace expansion joints and deck seals, while undertaking substructure repairs including work on bearings and concrete elements. Enhancements also include cleaning and repainting eleven overhead steel sign structures and upgrading roadway lighting to energy-efficient LED luminaires.
IEW Construction Group, Inc., based in Hamilton, New Jersey, has been contracted as the general contractor for this extensive project. Given the scale of the work and the anticipated traffic shifts, motorists are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and stay informed about changing conditions.
For real-time traffic updates and lane closure alerts in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, residents are advised to visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center. This resource will help drivers navigate the ongoing changes effectively.
As the project unfolds, staying informed will be crucial for all commuters using this heavily traveled stretch of I-95.
