Detours and Updates Following I-95 Collapse in Philadelphia: What Residents and Visitors Should Know
Philadelphia, PA - On Sunday morning, a significant section of I-95 northbound collapsed in the Tacony area of Philadelphia. As crews and investigators begin evaluating the extent of the damage, it is crucial for residents and visitors to understand the implications and available alternatives.
Action News Traffic Reporter Matt Pellman discussed the issue on Action News Monday morning, highlighting the absence of ideal alternate routes in this particular stretch of I-95. Nevertheless, there are viable options worth considering.
For northbound travelers, the mandatory exit point from I-95 is Aramingo Avenue. Conversely, southbound travelers are required to exit at Cottman Avenue.
City officials have recommended the following detour routes:
- For southbound drivers: Utilize Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road) to U.S. 1 South, then take 76 East, followed by 676 East to access I-95 southbound.
- For northbound drivers: Take I-676 West to I-76 West, proceed north on U.S. 1, then use Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road) to reach I-95 northbound.
Depending on their destinations, individuals also have the option to enter New Jersey via the Turnpike Connector Bridge or the Burlington-Bristol Bridge. Once in New Jersey, Route 130, I-295, and the New Jersey Turnpike can be utilized, although Route 130 is temporarily closed in Pennsauken due to an early morning fire.
From there, travelers can select the Ben Franklin Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge, or Commodore Barry Bridge to return to Philadelphia, or alternatively, opt for the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
While these detour routes may appear to deviate from the usual path, they offer a means of progressing toward your destination.
SEPTA Updates:
SEPTA officials have announced that additional capacity will be added to their services following the collapse of the highway.
Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and general manager, stated, "We're enhancing capacity on the Trenton, West Trenton, and Fox Chase lines. This includes adding extra cars to scheduled trains. We will be busing the Cynwyd Line to redirect resources and personnel to the Trenton Line."
On Monday, SEPTA plans to operate three additional Trenton Line trains during both morning and evening rush hours. In the morning, the trains will depart at 6:40 a.m. and 8:03 a.m. from Trenton, along with one at 8:25 a.m. from Holmesburg Junction. In the evening, trains will run at 3:05 p.m. from Suburban Station to Holmesburg Junction, as well as at 4:30 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. to Trenton.
Richards added, "Thanks to our partners at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, free parking will be available at their three park-and-ride lots at Fern Rock, Fox Chase, and Torresdale. Additionally, there is free parking at all SEPTA-owned Regional Rail lots, as well as at the Frankford Transportation Center
for access to the Market-Frankford Line."
For more information on the expanded SEPTA services, please visit their website.
Fire Leads to Collapse:
The incident occurred on Sunday around 6 a.m. beneath I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in the Tacony area of the city.
During a press conference, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the complete collapse of the northbound lanes and the unstable condition of the southbound lanes.
Shapiro further noted that the repair process is expected to take several months, stating, "We anticipate a significant timeframe for repairs. The exact
timeline will be provided once engineers and PennDOT complete their review, aiming to expedite the process and minimize bureaucratic delays."
As authorities and investigative teams commence their assessment, it is essential for residents and visitors to be aware of the following key points:
State officials have launched a dedicated website to provide regular updates on detours, road closures, and repair progress concerning I-95.
Service Delays:
City officials have advised residents in certain areas to anticipate delays in trash and recycling collections. The Streets Department is currently evaluating the areas that will be affected as sanitation trucks will be redirected along alternative travel routes.
To receive emergency alerts, residents can opt to receive text notifications by texting "ReadyPhila" to 888-777.
Action News Traffic Reporter Matt Pellman discussed the issue on Action News Monday morning, highlighting the absence of ideal alternate routes in this particular stretch of I-95. Nevertheless, there are viable options worth considering.
For northbound travelers, the mandatory exit point from I-95 is Aramingo Avenue. Conversely, southbound travelers are required to exit at Cottman Avenue.
City officials have recommended the following detour routes:
- For southbound drivers: Utilize Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road) to U.S. 1 South, then take 76 East, followed by 676 East to access I-95 southbound.
- For northbound drivers: Take I-676 West to I-76 West, proceed north on U.S. 1, then use Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road) to reach I-95 northbound.
Depending on their destinations, individuals also have the option to enter New Jersey via the Turnpike Connector Bridge or the Burlington-Bristol Bridge. Once in New Jersey, Route 130, I-295, and the New Jersey Turnpike can be utilized, although Route 130 is temporarily closed in Pennsauken due to an early morning fire.
From there, travelers can select the Ben Franklin Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge, or Commodore Barry Bridge to return to Philadelphia, or alternatively, opt for the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
While these detour routes may appear to deviate from the usual path, they offer a means of progressing toward your destination.
SEPTA Updates:
SEPTA officials have announced that additional capacity will be added to their services following the collapse of the highway.
Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and general manager, stated, "We're enhancing capacity on the Trenton, West Trenton, and Fox Chase lines. This includes adding extra cars to scheduled trains. We will be busing the Cynwyd Line to redirect resources and personnel to the Trenton Line."
On Monday, SEPTA plans to operate three additional Trenton Line trains during both morning and evening rush hours. In the morning, the trains will depart at 6:40 a.m. and 8:03 a.m. from Trenton, along with one at 8:25 a.m. from Holmesburg Junction. In the evening, trains will run at 3:05 p.m. from Suburban Station to Holmesburg Junction, as well as at 4:30 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. to Trenton.
Richards added, "Thanks to our partners at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, free parking will be available at their three park-and-ride lots at Fern Rock, Fox Chase, and Torresdale. Additionally, there is free parking at all SEPTA-owned Regional Rail lots, as well as at the Frankford Transportation Center
for access to the Market-Frankford Line."
For more information on the expanded SEPTA services, please visit their website.
Fire Leads to Collapse:
The incident occurred on Sunday around 6 a.m. beneath I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in the Tacony area of the city.
During a press conference, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the complete collapse of the northbound lanes and the unstable condition of the southbound lanes.
Shapiro further noted that the repair process is expected to take several months, stating, "We anticipate a significant timeframe for repairs. The exact
timeline will be provided once engineers and PennDOT complete their review, aiming to expedite the process and minimize bureaucratic delays."
As authorities and investigative teams commence their assessment, it is essential for residents and visitors to be aware of the following key points:
State officials have launched a dedicated website to provide regular updates on detours, road closures, and repair progress concerning I-95.
Service Delays:
City officials have advised residents in certain areas to anticipate delays in trash and recycling collections. The Streets Department is currently evaluating the areas that will be affected as sanitation trucks will be redirected along alternative travel routes.
To receive emergency alerts, residents can opt to receive text notifications by texting "ReadyPhila" to 888-777.
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