Partial Philadelphia Bridge Collapse Leads To Lane Closures And Detours—Here’s What To Know About I-95

Topline

A northbound section of Interstate 95 between Exits 30 and 32 in Philadelphia partially collapsed Sunday after a truck carrying petroleum-based products caught fire, leading to the closure of the critical thoroughfare in both directions in the densely populated area, impacting the daily travel of many and prompting officials to release alternative routes and expand alternative means of transportation.

Key Facts

Alternative Routes: I-95 Southbound

The southbound side of I-95 is “not structurally sound to carry any traffic over it,” the governor said. PennDOT advises residents to take either Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, I-76 East, I-676 East, Cottman Avenue exit, Bleigh Avenue or State Road.

Alternative Routes: I-95 Northbound

Because I-95 Northbound is where the fire occurred, this section of the interstate completely collapsed. State officials advise those intending travel here to take alternative routes like I-676 West, I-76 West, U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road), Exit 26 (Betsy Ross/Aramingo Avenue), Tacony Street, New State Road, Milnor Street, Bleigh Avenue or Linden Avenue.

Alternative Means Of Transportation

Alternative means of transportation are available to those who would rather not drive.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has added cars to trains and is allowing riders to pay using a credit card, according to SEPTA CEO and general manager Leslie Richards. Additional services from the Trenton Station and Holmesburg Junction stations concurred Monday morning and, in the evening, services will be added to Trenton Station and from Suburban to Holmesburg Junction.

Bus routes 70, 78, and 84 have been modified, while those traveling along the Cynwyd Regional Rail Line to get to Center City can access it by being bused to and from the Overbrook Station.

Parking

The Philadelphia Parking Authority tweeted that free parking would be available at Fern Rock Rail Station (10th & Nedro Streets), Fox Chase Rail Station (500 Rhawn Street) Torresdale Rail Station (4900 Grant Avenue) due to the recent collapse.

Big Number

110 million. That’s how many people The Atlantic reported uses I-95. PennDOT estimated about 160,000 vehicles travel along the impacted section I-95 in both directions, with Secretary Mike Carroll heralding the interstate as “likely the busiest interstate” in the state.

Surprising Fact

The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1938–the basis of the 1956 Act–was the result of former president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s interest in constructing superhighways to give people work during the Great Depression. Once the 1965 Act was passed, $25 billion for highway construction was authorized, which, adjusted for inflation today, would be nearly $270 billion.

What To Watch For

Shapiro said engineers are reviewing the collapse for the next couple of days to provide a more definite timeline of rebuilding. Shapiro said officials expect rebuilding the interstate will take months.

What We Don’t Know Title

Officials are working to identify individuals involved with the fire, according to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. Thus far, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities from the fire and the collapse, though there is one vehicle trapped underneath the roadway and no information on the driver of the commercial truck has been released.