News Summary
Philadelphia is undergoing significant construction on two key projects: the expansion of Interstate 95 with a cover over Columbus Boulevard and a new park at Penn’s Landing. These initiatives aim to enhance urban connectivity, aesthetics, and public spaces along the central waterfront. The I-95 cover will support a new deck and pedestrian facilities, while Penn’s Landing Park will feature gardens and recreational areas. With a budget of approximately $328.9 million, these projects are crucial for revitalizing the city’s infrastructure and improving transportation solutions.
Philadelphia Continues Major Construction Projects on I-95 Expansion and Penn’s Landing Park
Philadelphia is currently seeing significant ongoing construction efforts on two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation, public space, and city aesthetics. The work involves the expansion of Interstate 95 (I-95) with a new cover over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing, as well as the development of a new public park at Penn’s Landing. These projects are part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity and urban vitality in the city’s central waterfront area.
Construction of the I-95 Cover and Support Structures
Construction activities are underway this fall on the eastern abutment and support pier for the I-95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard. This phase is critical to support the deck that will span over the highway and roadway below. The completion of the pier is a significant milestone, as it will set the stage for the subsequent installation of steel deck beams over both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-95. The work is planned to be executed in three phases, with the entire process expected to finish by mid-2026.
Following the beam installation, the project will move toward laying the deck over Christopher Columbus Boulevard, scheduled from November 2026 through February 2027. Minor disruptions are anticipated during construction, including lane shifts on I-95 and nearby ramps, as well as restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and Front Street. Additionally, a non-working holiday period will be observed from mid-December to early January to facilitate safe and efficient work.
Traffic and Roadway Adjustments
As part of the construction activity, the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is expected to be completed by early December. This ramp will be temporarily closed during construction but is scheduled to reopen at the end of the year. Drivers should anticipate some lane restrictions and shifting during this period. Additionally, surface-level utility work carried out by PECO and Comcast, which was completed in spring 2025, continues along Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard through fall 2025. These utility installations include sewer facilities and surface infrastructure upgrades.
In fall 2025, surface-level utility installation will also extend to Front Street, involving additional work by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon. These efforts aim to improve electrical, cable, and utility networks servicing the area, optimizing urban infrastructure for future growth and resilience.
New Pedestrian Facilities and Public Space
A highlight of the project is the assembly of the South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension, expected to begin in early 2026. The new bridge will facilitate easier pedestrian and cyclist access from Center City to Penn’s Landing, crossing over Columbus Boulevard. Existing pedestrian pathways remain operational, with only minor interruptions expected, ensuring safe access across the construction period.
During the redevelopment, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to navigate between Penn’s Landing and Front Street via Dock and Market Streets, maintaining connectivity and access to waterfront amenities. The existing pedestrian bridge over Columbus Boulevard remains open, supporting ongoing visitor access without major disruptions.
Development of Penn’s Landing Park
One of the most ambitious aspects of the project is the creation of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, an 11.5-acre civic space designed to serve as a vibrant public gathering area. The park will feature gardens, play zones, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion, offering a mix of recreation, relaxation, and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The park is part of the broader I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project, which seeks to improve multimodal transportation links from Center City to the waterfront.
Alongside the park development, the project includes relocating and returning Irish and Scottish memorials currently on Spruce Street to a permanent area atop the new I-95 cover, providing an improved setting for these historical monuments.
Funding and Project Overview
The entire development is budgeted at approximately $328.9 million, with funding sourced from federal, local, and private contributions. This investment aims to overhaul a critical section of I-95 in Philadelphia, providing a larger cover for the highway, enhancing urban aesthetics, and fostering new public spaces. The project is expected to significantly improve transportation options, reduce congestion, and promote a vibrant city waterfront.
For more updates, construction schedules, and travel alerts, residents and visitors are advised to consult the project websites dedicated to these initiatives. These websites provide ongoing information about progress, detours, and safety advisories throughout the duration of the construction activities.
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
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