News Summary
Major construction has commenced on the I-95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. This initiative aims to improve connectivity between Center City and the waterfront while creating new public spaces. The project includes the installation of deck beams, with completion expected by mid-2026, followed by additional infrastructure work and the development of the Park at Penn’s Landing. The project, budgeted at $328.9 million, is part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian and cyclist access.
Philadelphia – Major construction is currently underway on the eastern abutment and support pier for the Interstate 95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing. This development is part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity between Center City and the waterfront while providing a new public space.
Work on the support pier is ongoing and will pave the way for the installation of steel deck beams over both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95. This installation is scheduled to be carried out in three phases, with completion expected by mid-2026. Following this, deck installation for Christopher Columbus Boulevard is planned to take place from November 2026 to February 2027.
During the construction, there will be a non-working holiday period from mid-December through early January. Additionally, the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is anticipated to reopen at the end of the year, with completion of that work expected in early December.
Pedestrian Access and Infrastructure Enhancements
The assembly of the new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension is projected to begin in early 2026. This new bridge will enhance access to Penn’s Landing from Center City by crossing over Columbus Boulevard. The existing pedestrian bridge will remain operational throughout the construction, although minor interruptions may occur.
Meanwhile, pedestrians and cyclists can traverse between Penn’s Landing and Front Street by utilizing Dock and Market streets during the construction period. Surface-level utility work by PECO and Comcast was finalized in the spring of 2025, with current sewer installation at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard set to continue until fall 2025. Additional surface-level facilities installation by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon at Front Street is expected to happen in fall 2025.
Traffic Management and Construction Impacts
As part of the ongoing construction, minor lane shifts on I-95 and adjacent ramps will occur, alongside lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and Front Street. These adjustments are necessary to accommodate the extensive work being done and to ensure safety for both workers and the public.
Project Overview and Funding
The entire I-95 expansion project is budgeted at $328.9 million, which is being funded through a combination of federal, local, and private sources. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is spearheading this initiative, which aims to construct a larger cover over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets.
This undertaking is a part of the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project, which is designed to improve connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and other forms of multi-modal transportation between Center City and the waterfront.
New Park at Penn’s Landing
At the heart of these improvements is the development of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, which will span 11.5 acres. The park is envisioned as a civic space that will feature gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion, enhancing recreational opportunities for visitors.
Additionally, Irish and Scottish memorials, which were relocated to Spruce Street during the construction, will be returned to a permanent area on the new I-95 cover. This inclusion showcases the project’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while expanding public spaces.
For additional details and travel alerts, the public can refer to the websites dedicated to the project: www.95revive.com and www.ParkatPennsLanding.com. As the project progresses, updates will continue to be provided to ensure the community stays informed on any developments and potential impacts ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 95Revive: CAP Construction Update Summer 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- NBC Philadelphia: Evening Construction on I-95
- Google Search: I-95 expansion Philadelphia
- Metro Philadelphia: I-95 South Closures Center City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Penn’s Landing
- 92.5 XTU: Overnight I-95 Construction Work
- Google News: Penn’s Landing Park construction
- Northeast Times: PennDOT I-95 Reconstruction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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