Gov. Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker and regional partners announced a nearly $30 million plan to ease traffic, improve safety and upgrade transportation around the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The effort, unveiled with leaders from the city’s major sports teams, Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and state transportation officials, marks the start of a multi-year push to tackle the area’s long-running congestion problems.
Shapiro said the plan is designed to improve daily mobility for residents and commuters while also accommodating the millions of visitors who travel to the Sports Complex each year for games, concerts and events.
“South Philadelphia is one of the most important economic hubs in our Commonwealth,” said Shapiro. “Whether families are heading to a game, workers are commuting to their jobs, or businesses are moving goods through this region, these investments will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety for fans and surrounding neighborhoods, and set the stage for explosive economic growth."
The first phase of the project includes a series of infrastructure upgrades, among them a new westbound entrance ramp to I-76, a second left turn lane from Front Street onto I-95 North, which opened earlier this month, upgraded signage, a new event operations hub, and new smart traffic signals, designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve safety.
The new westbound entrance ramp to I-76 will provide access for approximately 800 vehicles per hour and improve westbound travel options, which are currently limited to a single access ramp at Broad Street, state officials said. The new dual-turn lane on Front Street provides access to I-95 northbound for approximately 500 more vehicles per hour than the current on ramp — a more than 50 percent increase over current conditions.
Once a real estate transfer from the Delaware River Port Authority is finalized, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin engineering work on the new ramp, officials said.
“The Shapiro Administration knows that a strong transportation system is critical for our economy, especially in South Philadelphia's Sports District that draws tens of thousands of visitors daily,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “We are creating safer, more reliable transportation options for residents, workers, and visitors.”
The Sports Complex draws more than eight million visitors annually across more than 300 events, according to state officials. A report from PFM Advisors estimates the district generates about $2.3 billion in annual economic impact for Philadelphia and supports roughly 15,000 jobs, while contributing $104 million in annual city revenue. Statewide, it generates about $2.5 billion in economic activity and supports 16,000 jobs.
“This effort will not only ensure visitors will have more convenient access to everything Philadelphia has to offer, but will enable further economic growth," Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said.
The project is being coordinated through the Lower South Infrastructure & Resiliency Collaborative, a partnership launched in 2022 that brings together state agencies, the city, SEPTA, PhilaPort, the Navy Yard, sports organizations and private stakeholders to align infrastructure planning in Lower South Philadelphia.
More than $20 million of the funding will go toward near-term improvements outlined in the collaborative’s nine-point plan, with completion targeted by the end of 2028.
In addition to roadway upgrades, the plan includes installing smart traffic signals, launching a detailed signage and wayfinding review, and conducting corridor studies to determine future upgrades. A freight study will also examine commercial traffic routes between PhilaPort and the Bellwether District, while an events management plan will coordinate traffic operations during major events.
A new event operations center will serve as a real-time traffic coordination hub within the Sports Complex.
The Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and 76ers issued a joint statement supporting the plan, saying the improvements respond directly to fan feedback and will help ensure continued growth in the district.
“These traffic and transportation improvements are a critical step to ensuring our incredible momentum continues by directly addressing fan feedback."
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