As part of the Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) project construction, I-95 will undergo a 36-hour closure in February. Travelers along this route should utilize a GPS to find the appropriate detour. This multimillion-dollar project is anticipated to conclude in four years.
(Photo : Pexels/Iván Rivero)
Closure of I-95
On Monday, Jan. 22, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that it would be closing the portion of Interstate 95 that is located between Chestnut and Walnut streets beginning at six o'clock on Saturday, Feb. 3 and continuing until five o'clock on Monday, Feb. 5. As part of the I-95 Cap Project, this is the first of four anticipated closures that will take place on Interstate 95. According to PennDOT, future closures have not yet been decided, although they are expected to occur around the late spring or early summer months.
This entire process is being carried out to make way for the destruction of the I-95 CAP project. Through the implementation of this project, the present covered space that spans Highway 95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets will be replaced and expanded with a park that spans nearly 12 acres.
The project's completion, estimated to cost approximately 329 million dollars, is anticipated to take place in the spring of 2028. As reported by PennDOT, the construction effort will be able to avoid falling behind schedule due to the shutdown of 95 North and, eventually, 95 South. During the closure of that section of Interstate 95 North, everyone who needs to utilize that stretch of the highway is strongly encouraged to use GPS on that weekend to locate the appropriate alternative route.
On the other hand, PennDOT has warned the GPS programs, requesting they consider the closure. Authorities have begun placing warning signs for motorists and claim that Philadelphia and state police will assist.
In addition, the ramp from Summer Street to Columbus Boulevard, located immediately north of the Ben Franklin Bridge, will also be accessible. Drivers will be instructed to either stay north on Columbus Boulevard, take a left on Spring Garden Street, and then turn left on 6th Street to access I-676 East or to take Spring Garden Street and turn left on 8th Street to access westbound I-676.
CAP Project
The ceremony, which takes place on Sept. 6, signifies an important milestone for the 11.5-acre public area that will feature a multi-use plaza spanning from Chestnut to Walnut streets and reconnecting Center City to the waterfront. Aside from being an abbreviation for Central Access Philadelphia, CAP is a practical reference to the park's ability to 'cap' or envelop a congested thoroughfare with a public area.
The proposed large park would be constructed in its location, replacing the existing cap. This alteration was included in the Delaware River Waterfront Master Plan, encompassing the riverbank from Pennsport to Port Richmond. The roadway will begin its span close to the Blue Cross RiverRink, located on the riverfront, and extend into Old City, next to the Ritz Five movie theater. In terms of land area, it is smaller than the footprint of Lincoln Financial Field, which comprises 11.5 acres.
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