News Summary
Construction of the $268 million I-95/BS2 initiative is underway in Northeast Philadelphia, focusing on reconstructing the Bridge Street Interchange. This project aims to widen Interstate 95 and improve traffic flow and safety. Key components include the new southbound viaduct, improved retaining walls, and a new stormwater drainage system. Traffic redirection and new ramps are also part of the effort, expected to boost accessibility. The project is part of ongoing plans to enhance infrastructure along one of Pennsylvania’s busiest highways.
Northeast Philadelphia
Construction is actively progressing on the $268 million I-95/BS2 initiative aimed at enhancing the Bridge Street Interchange in Northeast Philadelphia. The project is part of a comprehensive effort to reconstruct and widen Interstate 95 between Margaret Street and Carver Street, improving traffic flow and safety in this crucial area.
Deck construction on the new southbound viaduct at the Bridge Street Interchange is currently underway. Crews are diligently placing reinforcing steel (rebar) and preparing for paving at the northern end of the new viaduct, which is designed to facilitate better connections across several key roadways.
Project Details
The new southbound viaduct will traverse over Bridge, Tacony, and various other surface streets before it merges with newly constructed at-grade paving. Within the development, two of the four new retaining walls have already been completed, while construction continues on the remaining walls along the southbound side of the interchange. These retaining walls will support embankments necessary for the installation of a continuous fourth lane, along with a new off-ramp at James Street.
Simultaneously, a new stormwater drainage system is being incorporated ahead of the southbound pavement and off-ramp construction. The off-ramp is set to replace the previously closed southbound ramp to James Street and will connect to a new signalized interchange on Tacony Street, further enhancing traffic management in the vicinity.
Traffic Management
In response to the ongoing construction, traffic currently exiting southbound I-95 at Bridge Street has been redirected to Aramingo Avenue. To further improve accessibility, a new on-ramp to I-95 north is being constructed at Tacony Street along with the Delaware Avenue Extension, which is projected to connect to the new ramp. The initial stage of this construction phase is expected to commence this summer.
Construction Timeline
Section BS2, which is the second of five contracts related to the I-95 reconstruction, is anticipated to be completed by 2028. The previous contract, Section BS1, which involved rebuilding and expanding I-95 from Levick to Carver streets, was successfully finalized in early 2023.
During peak travel hours, three travel lanes in both directions on I-95 will remain operational, although drivers may encounter periodic off-peak lane closures to accommodate construction work. James J. Anderson Construction, based in Philadelphia, serves as the general contractor responsible for overseeing Section BS2 of the project.
Background Context
The I-95/BS2 project is part of PennDOT’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure along one of Pennsylvania’s busiest highways. Initiatives like these aim not only to alleviate congestion but also to improve safety features and accommodate future growth in Northeast Philadelphia. As local communities continue to evolve, significant upgrades to key interchanges like Bridge Street illustrate the commitment to enhancing mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the ongoing construction activities at the I-95 Bridge Street Interchange represent a significant investment in the transportation infrastructure of Northeast Philadelphia, aiming to optimize traffic flow and safety for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- 95revive: BSR Construction Update Spring 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- MyChesco: Major I-95 Reconstruction Project Set to Begin
- Google Search: I-95 reconstruction in northeast Philadelphia
- NBC Philadelphia: I-95 Collapse Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Construction
- Roads & Bridges: PennDOT Begins Bridge Repairs on I-95
- Google News: I-95 construction Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
