March 27, 2023 – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has begun preliminary construction activities on the $328.9 million contract to replace and expand the existing covered section (I-95/CAP) of Interstate 95 at Penn’s Landing along the riverfront in Center City Philadelphia.
Over the coming months, the contractor will establish a protected work zone and perform preliminary construction activities such as surveying, and installation of environmental controls that will help manage construction-related runoff across a project area that stretches over and adjacent to the interstate between Market and South streets.
Large-scale construction, including the demolition of structures and amenities on the existing capped area between Chestnut and Walnut streets, is expected to begin this spring. A public pre-construction meeting with residents and business owners to lay out the details and schedule of coming construction will be held prior to the start of demolition.
(The time and location of the pre-construction meeting will be announced jointly by PennDOT, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), a partner in the I-95/CAP project, and the City of Philadelphia.)
In addition to replacing the cap over I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut streets, the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project will improve pedestrian and multi-modal connections between Center City and the waterfront. The project has two main components: a new Park at Penn’s Landing, and a new signature bridge at South Street, both of which will extend over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard to connect cyclists and pedestrians to the newly completed Delaware River Trail.
The new Park will be an 11.5-acre civic space spanning I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, extending from Front Street to the Delaware River. It will include amenities including gardens, play areas, flexible open space, and a mass-timber Pavilion.
During construction, I-95 motorists will experience minor lane shifts on the mainline and adjacent ramps. Other travel restrictions also will take place on I-95 and adjacent surface streets — including Columbus Boulevard and Front Street, during various phases of construction.
Pedestrian access between Center City and the waterfront will be maintained on Dock Street and Market Street during construction.
Additional project details, construction updates, project detours, and other information will be available on this website and ParkatPennsLanding.com.
The project is financed with federal, local, and private funds.
