How to Navigate Detours as Pennsylvania Unveils Plans to Reopen I-95 After Collapse

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Governor Josh Shapiro have unveiled plans to repair and reopen the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia that were damaged in a fire caused by a tanker truck crash.

According to The Associated Press, Gov. Shapiro spoke at the site of the I-95 bridge collapse, saying that the demolition of northbound and southbound lanes of the overpass would be completed on Thursday.

Once the area is clear of debris, Pennsylvania will use recycled glass to fill in the collapsed space, allowing workers to quickly repave the three lanes in both directions to avoid potential supply-chain delays.

The glass aggregate that will be used to fill the gap—which measures roughly 100 feet long and 150 feet wide—will be made and shipped by local company AeroAggregates of North America. The factory mills glass bottles and jars from landfills into a powder and heats the substance to produce lightweight nuggets of foam strong enough for construction.

“We’re going to get this job done as quickly as possible,” Gov. Shapiro said. “This approach will allow us to avoid delays due to shipping and supply chain issues and pursue a simple, quicker path.”

After I-95 reopens to traffic, PennDOT will build a replacement bridge next to the backfilled overpass, where traffic will eventually be rerouted while the actual overpass is rebuilt. Gov. Shapiro did not unveil a timeline for the project or when travelers would be allowed back on the road.

United States President Joe Biden said the federal government would aid in the reconstruction efforts, as traffic in the area has become a nightmare for locals and trucking companies ahead of the busy summer travel season. 

For travelers heading southbound on I-95, PennDOT and Philadelphia officials developed a detour that calls to get off on the Cottman Avenue exit, turn right on Bleigh Street, make a left onto State Road and re-enter the highway at State Road and Longshore Avenue.

On the northbound side, drivers will exit at Aramingo Avenue, turn right at Tacony Street, follow the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge loop to New State Road and re-enter I-95 at Milnor Street.

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