PennDOT to Resume Construction on Project to Replace Southbound I-95 Viaduct at Girard Avenue Interchange in Philadelphia

April 25, 2020 – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that construction will resume Monday, April 27, on the project to reconstruct and improve the southbound Interstate 95 Girard Avenue Interchange that includes replacement of the mile-long southbound viaduct in the Fishtown and Port Richmond sections of Philadelphia.

Normal highway and bridge construction projects in Pennsylvania remain paused as part of the commonwealth’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This project is part of critical work that continues statewide addressing safety needs and work needed to eliminate roadway restrictions that could impede the ability for the movement of life sustaining goods and services.

Beginning Monday, April 27, crews will resume beam setting operations on sections of the viaduct. Activities at the work area will begin ramping-up the following week to include a resumption of deck construction for the southbound structure, installation of interchange’s new stormwater drainage system, and construction of the new bridge that carries northbound Aramingo Avenue through the interchange.

No additional travel restriction are expected on mainline I-95 during upcoming construction, but short-term lane restrictions and closures may occur on surface streets at the interchange during beam erection and deck construction.

I-95 motorists are advised to travel at posted speed limits through the work area and remain alert for sudden slowing entering the work area.

Motorists on surface streets are advised to use extra caution when traveling through the work area as all construction personnel will be required to wear personal protective equipment while following a mandated Safety Plan for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In addition to constructing a wider replacement viaduct, the Section GR4 project also includes widening and reconstruction of the southbound at-grade pavement from south of Allegheny Avenue to the northern end of the viaduct at Ann Street.

Other improvements that will be built under Section GR4 include:

• Relocation of Aramingo Avenue between Delaware Avenue/Richmond Street and Cumberland Street;
• Construction of three retaining walls to support embankments within the interchange area;
• Installation of noise barrier walls along southbound I-95 from Indiana Avenue to Palmer Street and along southbound Aramingo Avenue from Norris Street to the southbound on-ramp; and
• Installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices, including travel time readers, traffic cameras and dynamic message signs, along I-95, U.S. 1 and U.S. 322 to assist PennDOT and the City of Philadelphia with traffic and incident management. 

James J. Anderson Construction of Philadelphia is the general contractor on the $311.6 million contract million project which is financed with 100 percent federal funds.