April 1, 2026 – Work zone preparation that began last summer for the first stage of Interstate 95 north reconstruction and widening at the Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange finished in early 2026 (see below), with six lanes of northbound and southbound vehicles shifted west to create a temporary traffic pattern for northbound reconstruction.
The work is being done under PennDOT’s $355.3 million Section BR3 project to reconstruct, widen, and improve northbound I-95 between Wheatsheaf Lane and Margaret Street in Northeast Philadelphia.
The new pattern expands the existing pattern through the work area at the Bridge Street Interchange (BS2) to create a continuous three-lane pattern through both interchanges. PennDOT will coordinate BR3 northbound reconstruction with the adjacent Section BS2 project.
Following the shift, work began immediately to remove the existing northbound pavement, which included three through lanes and two auxiliary lanes that collected traffic exiting and entering I-95 from the interchange on Aramingo Avenue and from the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Retaining wall construction is also taking place to support the new northbound pavement. This spring, crews also will begin demolishing and rebuilding the I-95 north bridges over Frankford Creek, Lefevre Street, and Orthodox/Pearce streets.
Installation of parts of the project’s stormwater drainage system is underway, with placement of several box sewers in the right-of-way on the west side of I-95 within the project area.
Section BR3, the third of five contract sections to reconstruct and improve I-95 at the Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange, continues PennDOT’s long-term commitment to rebuilding and improving the aging I-95 infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
In addition to replacing the northbound Frankford Creek bridge and reconstructing and widening northbound I-95 from three lanes to four between the Wheatsheaf Lane underpass and just north of Margaret Street, Section BR3 will replace northbound bridges over Margaret Street, Lefevre Street, and Orthodox Street/Pearce Street. Pearce Street will be realigned to connect to Orthodox Street on the east side of I-95.
Two ramps will be rehabilitated, two ramps will be replaced with at-grade fill, and new northbound sound barrier walls will also be erected.
The southbound side of I-95 at the Interchange will be completed under the BR4 contract, tentatively scheduled to go to construction in 2029 or 2030.
PennDOT completed Sections BR0 (2017) and BR2 (2023), which reconstructed numerous ramps and bridges at the interchange. Ground-level and utility work was also completed under these projects. Go here for more details.
Haines & Kibblehouse Construction of Skippack, PA, is the general contractor.
