News Summary
The I-95 cover extension project at Penn’s Landing is progressing with major construction on structural support for new steel deck beams. Completion of the installation is set for mid-2026, enhancing connectivity between the waterfront and Center City. The project includes critical accessibility improvements and is aimed at transforming transportation access while also developing the new Park at Penn’s Landing. This civic space will promote recreational activities and preserve cultural heritage through memorial relocations.
Philadelphia – Major construction is currently underway this fall as the Interstate 95 cover extension project progresses over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing. The existing construction focus is on the eastern abutment and support pier that will eventually support new steel deck beams spanning both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95. This structural part of the project is crucial, setting the stage for enhanced connectivity between the waterfront and Center City.
The installation of the steel beams is planned to be completed in three phases, with a target finish date set for mid-2026. Following the completion of beam installation, the deck installation for Christopher Columbus Boulevard is scheduled to take place from November 2026 through February 2027. During this period, there will be a non-working holiday break from mid-December through early January, minimizing disruptions during the holiday season.
In terms of accessibility, critical improvements are being made as part of the overall project. The Market Street ramp leading to southbound I-95 is expected to finish construction in early December, allowing it to reopen by the end of the year. Additionally, the new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension is projected to commence assembly in early 2026. This extension will significantly enhance pedestrian access to Penn’s Landing from Center City, crossing over Columbus Boulevard, providing both residents and tourists with easier ways to enjoy the waterfront.
The existing pedestrian bridge remains operational throughout the construction, although some minor interruptions may occur. For those traveling on foot or by bicycle, alternative routes are available via Dock and Market streets, ensuring safe passage between Penn’s Landing and Front Street during the ongoing construction activities.
Construction has also included utility work, with surface-level installation by PECO and Comcast completed in spring 2025. Additional infrastructure, such as sewer facilities at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard, is still ongoing and is expected to conclude by fall 2025. Further utility installations by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon are slated for Front Street in fall 2025.
Motorists can expect some minor lane shifts on I-95 and nearby ramps during these construction activities. Lane restrictions will also be enforced along Columbus Boulevard and Front Street, ensuring safety while work is ongoing.
The entire I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project is estimated to cost $328.9 million, with funding sourced from a mix of federal, local, and private money. This initiative aims to enhance connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and multi-modal transportation, essentially transforming how residents and visitors access the waterfront from Center City.
Aligned with these objectives is the development of the new Park at Penn’s Landing, which will span 11.5 acres. This new civic space will include gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and features a mass-timber pavilion, promoting recreational and leisure activities in an urban setting. As part of the project, Irish and Scottish memorials currently being relocated to Spruce Street will be returned to a permanent area on the new I-95 cover, ensuring cultural heritage is preserved within the new space.
For those seeking further information about the progress of the construction, updates, and any travel-related alerts, details are available on the websites 95revive.com and ParkatPennsLanding.com.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Renovations Planned for Bridges Along Fourpole Creek
Additional Resources
- 95Revive: CAP Construction Update Summer 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- NBC Philadelphia: Evening Construction on I-95
- Google Search: I-95 expansion Philadelphia
- Metro Philadelphia: I-95 South Closures Center City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Penn’s Landing
- 92.5 XTU: Overnight I-95 Construction Work
- Google News: Penn’s Landing Park construction
- Northeast Times: PennDOT I-95 Reconstruction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
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