Drivers on southbound Interstate 95 in Philadelphia should prepare for significant traffic disruptions next week due to a series of overnight lane closures. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that construction activities will commence on January 13 and continue through January 16, 2024, as part of a major bridge repair project.
Details of the Traffic Changes
The work will involve the installation of barriers and other preparations for a new long-term traffic pattern. 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 can expect significant backups and delays during these hours, as PennDOT emphasizes that all operations are weather dependent.
By 05:00 on January 17, crews are expected to have completed the installation necessary for the new traffic configuration. This revised pattern will remain in effect through late May, during which time essential bridge repairs will be carried out. Despite the construction, the work zone will maintain three lanes of through traffic at all times.
Scope of the Bridge Repair Project
This initiative is part of a broader $37.4 million federally funded project focused on critical repairs to interstate bridges, aimed at preserving safety, mobility, and structural integrity. Under the terms of the contract, crews will address various issues, including:
- Repairing deteriorated bridge decks and steel superstructure components
- Replacing expansion joints and deck seals
- Upgrading bridge railings, guiderails, and steel sign supports
- Performing substructure repairs on bearings, concrete elements, and bridge seats
- Cleaning and repainting 11 overhead steel sign structures
- Upgrading existing roadway lighting to energy-efficient LED luminaires
IEW Construction Group, Inc., based in Hamilton, New Jersey, will serve as the general contractor for this extensive project. As the overnight closures transition into months of altered traffic flow on this heavily utilized stretch of I-95, motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and remain updated on prevailing conditions.
For real-time traffic updates, lane closure alerts, and travel planning tools in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, residents are encouraged to visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center before setting out. Following MyChesCo on platforms such as Google News and MSN will also provide the latest news and updates concerning Chester County and its vicinity.
