PennDOT's contractor for construction of I-95/GR1, the next stage of reconstruction of the Girard Avenue Interchange and adjoining sections of I-95 in Philadelphia, is gearing-up to begin construction in November.

Work signs are being erected, equipment is being mobilized and clearing operations are underway along the east side of Richmond Street in advance of work expected to begin this fall to widen a section of Richmond Street.

Work also is projected to be underway this fall to rehabilitate and re-deck the Girard Avenue Bridge (left photo) over the Aramingo Avenue northbound spur that was constructed at the interchange during the initial construction contract at the interchange (GR0) in 2010.

Eastbound traffic will be maintained, but westbound Girard Avenue will be detoured between Richmond and Fletcher streets during work on the bridge. Travel on Richmond Street will not be affected during the first two years of the GR1 project.

SEPTA has removed the Route 15 Trolley from the bridge. Busses (right photo) are now being used to service Route 15 riders during construction on the overpass.

James J. Anderson Construction Company, Philadelphia, is the general contractor on the $91,261,198 GR1 contract.

The I-95/GR1 contract includes:

• Reconstruction and widening of Richmond Street on its existing alignment between Aramingo Avenue and Cumberland Street;
• Reconstruction and widening of Richmond Street on a new alignment shifted east between Cumberland and Ann streets;
• Replacement of two (2) Conrail bridges over Richmond Street near Lehigh Avenue with four (4) separate structures with new Conrail tracks;
• Reconstruction, a half-at-a-time, of the Girard Avenue bridge over the northbound Aramingo Avenue spur;
• Extensive utility relocations along Richmond Street and adjacent streets to the west;
• Intersection improvements along Richmond Street at Girard Avenue, Cumberland Street, Sergeant Street, Huntingdon Street, Lehigh Avenue, Somerset Street, Cambria Street and Ann Street;
• Deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices -- dynamic message signs, traffic cameras, travel-time sensors, etc. along arterial routes adjacent to I-95 between the Broad Street and Betsy Ross Bridge interchanges.