News Summary
Philadelphia is undergoing significant construction on the I-95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard, enhancing connections between Center City and the waterfront. Key developments include pier completion and the installation of deck beams, anticipated to finish by mid-2026. The Market Street ramp is set to reopen by early December, with a new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension planned for early 2026. The overall project aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist access, while a new 11.5-acre Park at Penn’s Landing will add recreational space.
Philadelphia is currently witnessing significant ongoing construction as major work continues on the eastern abutment and support pier for the Interstate 95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard, part of the broader initiative to enhance Penn’s Landing. This project aims at improving connections between Center City and the waterfront to facilitate pedestrian and multi-modal transport access.
Among the main developments, the completion of the pier is critical as it will allow for the installation of steel deck beams over both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95. The beam installation is projected to wrap up by mid-2026, with deck installation for Christopher Columbus Boulevard scheduled from November 2026 through February 2027. There will be a pause in construction for the holiday season, specifically from mid-December to early January.
In addition to the pier work, the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is expected to be completed by early December, reopening before the end of the year. Construction will also include the assembly of a new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension, expected to initiate in early 2026. This bridge will offer enhanced access to Penn’s Landing from Center City by spanning over Columbus Boulevard. Minor interruptions to the existing pedestrian bridge will occur during this process, but it will remain operational.
During the ongoing construction, pedestrians and cyclists are advised to use Dock and Market streets to travel between Penn’s Landing and Front Street. Utility work has been completed, including surface-level installations by PECO and Comcast in spring 2025, although sewer facility installations at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard will persist into fall 2025. Additional surface-level facilities will be installed by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon at Front Street during the fall of 2025.
As construction progresses, there will be minor lane shifts on I-95 and nearby ramps. Additionally, expect lane restrictions along Columbus Boulevard and Front Street. The entire initiative is budgeted at $328.9 million, drawing funds from federal, local, and private sources to ensure successful completion.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) oversees the development of a larger cover over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets, a part of the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project. The primary goal of this project is to bolster connections for pedestrians, bicycles, and multiple forms of transportation between Center City and the waterfront.
Another exciting feature of this project is the creation of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, which will span 11.5 acres. This civic space is set to include gardens, play areas, and flexible open areas, along with a mass-timber pavilion. In addition, the Irish and Scottish memorials that were temporarily moved to Spruce Street will be returned to a permanent location on the new I-95 cover.
For ongoing updates, construction details, and travel alerts, interested parties can visit relevant websites for the most current information.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
