Fall 2017 – Construction on the first-of-two contracts to improve ramp connections between Interstate 95, the Betsy Ross Bridge and surface streets in the vicinity of the interchange is now substantially completed, while work continues on improvements to Aramingo Avenue and on Adams Avenue in the vicinity of the interchange.
The $160.3 million ramp improvement project that began in early 2015 rebuilt and improved the ramps:
Additionally, new ramps were built connecting the Betsy Ross Bridge to Aramingo Avenue and Aramingo Avenue to the bridge. However, these ramps remain closed until additional improvements to Aramingo Avenue and the ramps’ connections 
to the surface road system are completed, along with additional ramp improvements that will be built under a separate contract scheduled to go to construction in 2019.
Both ramp projects, along with improvements to Aramingo Avenue and Adams Avenue (see below) that remain under construction, are part of PennDOT’s larger plans to improve the interchanges at both the Besty Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue and Bridge Street interchanges.
Aramingo Avenue Improvements
Preparations continue for rebuilding the west side of the Aramingo Avenue bridge over the Frankford Creek, the first stage of the widening of Aramingo Avenue between Church Street and Wheatsheaf Lane to improve access to and from the new and rebuilt ramps to and from I-95 and the Betsy Ross Bridge. Working with utility crews, PennDOT’s contractor expects to demolish the western section of the old bridge later this fall and begin building the corresponding section of the new bridge.
At the start of bridge construction, northbound Aramingo Avenue will be limited to one lane through the work area. Southbound Aramingo Avenue will remain two lanes wide.
Over three-plus years of construction on the $81 million project, Aramingo Avenue will be widened to four lanes between Wheatsheaf Lane and Church Street, with turn lanes to Church Street, the ramps to I-95 and the bridge, and to Adams Avenue (Adams Avenue Connector), which also is being improved as part of this project.
Adams Avenue Connector
Installation of new water mains along Torresdale Avenue between Frankford Avenue and Adams Avenue, part of early-stage construction on the Adams Avenue Connector, is nearing completion. New sidewalks and curbs will be installed on the west side of Torresdale Avenue within the project area next spring.
PennDOT is reconstructing, extending and improving Adams Avenue (Adams Avenue Connector) between Torresdale Avenue and Aramingo Avenue. Rebuilding the segment of existing Adams Avenue from Torresdale Avenue and Ashland Street is underway, where workers this fall continue to realign Tacony Street to create a new intersection with Adams Avenue.
Additionally, drainage inlets and pipe are currently being installed for the new, mile-long extension of Adams Avenue from Ashland Street to Aramingo Avenue.
In addition to the new $81 million contract to improve Aramingo Avenue and Adams Avenue, PennDOT is investing $160.2 million to improve the interchange. Four additional contracts will complete improvements to the interchange’s ramp system and reconstruct almost one mile of I-95 at the interchange.
PennDOT is maintaining three travel lanes in each direction on I-95 at the interchange during construction; however, overnight lane closures may occur during traffic pattern changes and for stages of construction in the center of the interstate.
