“Assessing the Impact of the I-95 Fire and Partial Highway Collapse”

Vehicle Fire Causes Partial Collapse of I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia

On the morning of June 11, 2023, a vehicle fire under I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philadelphia caused a portion of the highway to collapse. According to preliminary reports, a tanker truck was involved in the fire. Multiple city and state agencies responded to address impacts to residents in the area and travelers affected by the road closure. We will provide updates as more details become available.

Impacts to Residents and Visitors

All lanes of I-95 are closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits. Some streets in the surrounding area are closed for the emergency response. Travelers are encouraged to follow local news and PennDOT’s Twitter account or website (pa.gov/i95updates). SEPTA is adding extra capacity and service, and residents are encouraged to use SEPTA as an alternative means of travel. Due to the current closure of I-95, complimentary parking is available at some PPA-operated SEPTA train station lots until further notice.

Residents should continue to set their trash and recycling collections out as normal on their regular trash day and at their regular pickup site. However, they should expect delays in collections in the northeast area of the city, as sanitation trucks will have to be diverted to alternative travel routes. Travelers should expect delays and plan alternative travel routes, especially while planning for the weekday commute.

Detour Routes

Detour routes have been established for the affected area, and drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid travel delays. SEPTA is also providing extra capacity and service to assist travelers in the area.

Penndot I-95

Southbound: Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, 76 East, 676 East

Northbound: I-676 West, I-76 West, U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road)

Philadelphia Police Detour and Closure

Philadelphia Police will have the following closures and detours in place if you are traveling on I-95 in the area of the Cottman Avenue exit. Police will be located along the detour route. Local businesses and deliveries will be provided access. Expect delays along the detour and note these are subject to change.

• Castor Avenue on-ramp for I-95 northbound closed
• Aramingo Avenue/I-95 on and off-ramps: On-ramp to I-95 northbound closed
• Betsy Ross off-ramp to I-95 northbound closed
• Bridge Street ramp: I-95 on-ramp at Bridge Street closed. All traffic on Tacony Street will flow northbound only from Bridge Street to New State Road.
• Tacony Street and Tacony-Palmyra Bridge: Tacony Palmyra Bridge traffic onto Tacony Street closed. All traffic continues westbound onto Levick Street.
• Cottman Avenue exit and State Road closures: State Road from Cottman Avenue to Longshore Avenue will be one-way, southbound travel only.

For travelers heading southbound on I-95, exit at Cottman Avenue. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Bleigh Street. Follow Bleigh to State Road and make a left onto State. Travel southbound on State Road to Longshore Avenue. Re-enter I-95 southbound at State Road and Longshore Avenue.

For travelers heading northbound on I-95, exit at Aramingo Avenue. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Aramingo Avenue. Follow Aramingo Avenue to Tacony Street and turn right. Take Tacony Street northbound around Tacony-Palmyra Bridge loop to New State Road. Continue northbound. Travel New State Road to Milnor Street and re-enter I-95 northbound.

Assessing the Impact

The collapse of a portion of I-95 is a dire illustration of the urgent need to update our nation’s infrastructure. The inadequacy of our transportation systems and the dangers they pose to drivers and commuters were recognized long before this incident yet remain inadequately addressed. We now demand that the city and state authorities provide transparency and accountability in assessing the impact of this disaster and outline a clear plan for action.

Editorial

The closure of I-95 will undoubtedly cause significant disruptions and delay to travelers and commuters, and this highlights the need for our cities and states to prepare better for future transportation disruptions. The lack of clear and efficient alternate routes and the uncertainty surrounding the length of the closure underscores that we need a more resilient and flexible transportation system.

The collapse of infrastructure and the dire impacts it can have on our daily lives underscore the need for investment in our nation’s infrastructure. As a nation, we must recognize the importance of our transportation systems and prepare for the future by investing in better infrastructure, creating a more robust and resilient system, and preparing for transportation disruptions and emergencies.

Advice

For commuters affected by the closure of I-95, we advise planning an alternate route and leaving earlier than usual. Consider using public transportation, carpooling, or telecommuting, if possible. Visitors to the city and residents should keep themselves updated on the latest developments by checking the local news, following official Twitter accounts, and signing up for emergency alerts. The closure of I-95 serves as a reminder to all of the importance of investing in our nation’s infrastructure and making our transportation systems more resilient.