Construction Underway on I-95/BS2 Project in Northeast Philadelphia

News Summary

Construction has begun on the $268 million I-95/BS2 project to improve the Bridge Street interchange in Northeast Philadelphia. This effort by PennDOT aims to reconstruct and widen a section of I-95 while enhancing traffic flow and safety. Key developments include deck construction for the new southbound viaduct, ongoing installation of retaining walls, and a new stormwater drainage system. Traffic will be temporarily rerouted, but three lanes will remain open during peak hours. This infrastructure project, expected to be completed by 2028, follows an earlier completion of the BS1 section.

Northeast Philadelphia – Construction is now underway on the $268 million I-95/BS2 project aimed at improving the Bridge Street interchange. The initiative is part of a larger plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to reconstruct and widen a section of Interstate 95, stretching from Margaret Street to Carver Street. The current phase includes critical deck construction for the new southbound viaduct, which plays a crucial role in the overall traffic flow and safety in the area.

As part of the ongoing project, crews have begun placing reinforcing steel, known as rebar, and are preparing for paving activities at the northern end of the new viaduct. This structure will cross over several busy streets, including Bridge and Tacony, before seamlessly connecting to new at-grade paving designed for improved traffic management.

Furthermore, two of the planned four new retaining walls have been completed, and construction on the remaining two walls is actively ongoing on the southbound side of the interchange. These retaining walls are essential as they will support embankments that are necessary for carrying an added fourth lane and a new off-ramp that will connect to James Street.

In conjunction with these developments, a sophisticated stormwater drainage system is under installation to adequately manage water runoff and prevent flooding in the area, paving the way for the new southbound pavement and off-ramp construction. The new off-ramp is designed to replace the previously closed southbound ramp to James Street and will facilitate access to a new signalized interchange on Tacony Street.

To accommodate ongoing construction, traffic currently exiting southbound I-95 at Bridge Street is being detoured to Aramingo Avenue, which aims to maintain safety and efficiency during the construction period. The project also includes the installation of a new water main beneath Tacony Street, along with concurrent sewer line construction and utility work performed by subcontractors, including PECO.

The I-95/BS2 project will feature additional improvements, including a new northbound on-ramp at Tacony Street and an extension of Delaware Avenue. The initial phase of construction for the Delaware Avenue Extension is expected to commence this summer, further enhancing regional connectivity.

The I-95/BS2 initiative is the second of five contracts established for the reconstruction of I-95. The first contract, known as Section BS1, involved rebuilding and widening I-95 from Levick to Carver Streets and was completed in early 2023. Section BS2 is scheduled for completion by 2028.

During the construction period, three travel lanes in each direction on I-95 will remain accessible to motorists, particularly during peak travel hours. Periodic lane closures may occur during off-peak times to facilitate ongoing work and ensure worker safety. James J. Anderson Construction from Philadelphia is the designated general contractor for this section of the project, supervising the various construction efforts and maintaining the timeline for completion.

This substantial investment in infrastructure aims to significantly enhance traffic flow and safety at one of the region’s critical interchanges, ultimately benefiting the local community and surrounding areas.

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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