News Summary
Philadelphia is enhancing its transportation infrastructure with significant construction projects along the I-95 corridor and Penn’s Landing. Key improvements include the extension of an I-95 cover over Columbus Boulevard, development of a new park, and upgrades to pedestrian and vehicular access. These projects aim to bolster connectivity and urban aesthetics, with completion expected by early 2027. Ongoing work encompasses the construction of the South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension, utility upgrades, and preparations for the new Park at Penn’s Landing, emphasizing multi-modal transportation options for residents and visitors.
Philadelphia Advances Major Infrastructure Projects Along I-95 and Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia is currently undergoing significant construction activities aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and public space along the I-95 corridor and Penn’s Landing area. These ongoing projects include the extension of an I-95 cover over Columbus Boulevard, the development of a new park, and upgrades to pedestrian and vehicular access, with work scheduled through early 2027.
Construction on I-95 Cover Extension Continues
This fall, work is focused on the eastern abutment and support pier for the I-95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing. The completion of this pier is a critical milestone, as it will pave the way for installing steel deck beams over both northbound and southbound I-95. The installation of these beams will be conducted in three phases and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Following this, the deck installation for the section of Christopher Columbus Boulevard beneath the cover will commence, with scheduled work from November 2026 through February 2027.
During the construction period, there will be a non-working holiday break from mid-December to early January, during which no work activities are planned.
Work on the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is nearing completion, with an anticipated finish in early December. The ramp, which has been temporarily closed during construction, is expected to reopen by the end of the year.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Enhancements
Construction of the South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This new extension will provide pedestrians and cyclists with improved access to Penn’s Landing from Center City by spanning over Columbus Boulevard. Meanwhile, the existing pedestrian bridge remains open with only minor disruptions anticipated during the ongoing work.
Additionally, pedestrians and cyclists can still travel between Penn’s Landing and Front Street utilizing alternative routes along Dock and Market streets while construction is underway.
Utility and Roadway Work
Utility upgrades and installations are part of the broader infrastructure improvement efforts. Surface-level utility work for PECO and Comcast was completed in spring 2025, including the installation of sewer facilities at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard, which will continue into fall 2025. In the same period, surface-level work by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon on Front Street will also take place.
Motorists should expect minor lane shifts and restrictions on I-95, adjacent ramps, Columbus Boulevard, and Front Street during construction. These adjustments aim to ensure safety and facilitate ongoing work.
Project Budget and Funding
The comprehensive project has a budget of approximately $328.9 million. Funding is sourced from federal, local, and private funds, reflecting the project’s significance to the region’s transportation and urban development plans.
Goals and Future Development
One of the key objectives of the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project is to enhance connectivity between Center City and the waterfront, emphasizing multi-modal transportation options that include pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. A major element of this development is the creation of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, an 11.5-acre civic space designed to serve as a vibrant community hub. The park will feature gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion.
Furthermore, Irish and Scottish memorials, temporarily relocated to Spruce Street, will be returned to a permanent site on the new I-95 cover as part of the ongoing urban renewal efforts.
Additional Information and Updates
For more details, updates, and traffic alerts regarding these projects, residents and travelers can visit the project websites: www.95revive.com and www.ParkatPennsLanding.com.
This extensive construction is part of Philadelphia’s broader initiatives to modernize its transportation infrastructure, improve urban aesthetics, and enhance mobility for residents and visitors alike, with completion targeted for 2027.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Underway on Major I-95/BS2 Project in Philadelphia
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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