Beginning this week, drivers will be detoured off I-95 South in the overnight hours for more than a month, as crews continue to construct a new highway cap in Center City.
The southbound lanes between the Vine Street Expressway and the Columbus Boulevard on-ramp at E. Morris/Water Street will close from 11 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Wednesday, along with the ramp to I-95 South from eastbound I-676, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
That closure will allow workers to prepare the site and mobilize equipment, transportation officials said.
Then, starting Sunday, June 8, PennDOT will close the same section of highway from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, except for the July 4 weekend. The left lane on I-95 North will also be shuttered from Spruce to Market streets.
PennDOT anticipates lifting the closures Friday, July 18, barring any delays.
During the overnight work hours, drivers heading south on I-95 will be directed to utilize the Vine Street Expressway exit, where they can then use Callowhill Street and Columbus Boulevard to get back on the highway, officials said.
Cars trying to access southbound I-95 from I-676 will be detoured to 6th Street, Race Street and Columbus Boulevard before entering the interstate, according to PennDOT.
Crews will be installing beams as part of a $329 million project to rebuild and expand the concrete covering over I-95 at Penn’s Landing and the South Street pedestrian bridge in an attempt to better connect Old City with the riverfront.
The plan is for a new 11.5-acre park spanning Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, Front Street and the Delaware River over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard. It is expected to incorporate performance and festival space; food vendors; a playground area; a relocated RiverRink; and other features.
Earlier this spring, in connection with the project, PennDOT closed the Lombard Circle ramp from Columbus Boulevard to I-95 North for two years, and Market Street’s I-95 South ramp is slated to be shuttered until November.
Beam placement over I-95 North is scheduled for next year.
