Schuylkill Expressway in South Philly reduced to one lane in each direction for construction through August

Motorists who travel to and from the city using the Walt Whitman Bridge will encounter significant changes to the traffic patterns on the Schuylkill Expressway for the next few months.

Construction on the eastbound and westbound sides of I-76 through South Philly are reduced to one lane in each direction beginning Monday. The lane restrictions occurs as the Delaware River Port Authority begins the next phase of its I-76 construction project. 

• MORE NEWS
• Philly police will collaborate with ATF to speed up shooting investigations
  
• Pennsylvania district attorney pleads guilty, resigns amid sexual misconduct charges
  
• TikTok videos ignite legal dispute between Philly, New Jersey jewelers
  

The roadwork impacts the Schuylkill Expressway mostly between Broad Street and Passyunk Avenue, according to the DRPA. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of August. The project includes drainage improvements, concrete repairs to overpasses, milling and paving. The following ramps also are closed to allow for roadwork, beginning Monday:

• Entrance ramp from Broad Street north to I-76 West will be closed until May 30.
• Ramp at Exit 348 from I-76 West to Penrose Avenue will be closed until May 23.
• Entrance ramp from Penrose Avenue north to I-76 East will be closed until May 23.

Starting May 25, the following ramps will be closed:

• Entrance ramp from Passyunk Avenue to I-76 West will be closed until June 7.
• Ramp at Exit 347 from I-76 to Passyunk Avenue will be closed until May 27.

Detours will be in place to guide drivers. Motorists are advised to allow for additional travel time and to proceed with caution and appropriate speed through the construction zone.

The $74 million highway construction project began last year and is expected to be completed in 2023. It includes repairs to about two miles of the expressway between the Walt Whitman Bridge toll plaza and Passyunk Avenue in South Philly. 

Among the improvements being done as part of the entire project are pavement reconstruction and curb replacement, the addition of new drainage inlets, the replacement of concrete roadway on the overpasses, shoulder grading, pedestrian tunnel repairs and the installation of new sign structures, light poles, electrical and fiber optic lines.

The DRPA's roadwork follows last year's PennDOT project a little further west on Schuylkill Expressway, between the 30th Street and University Avenue exits. As part of that project, PennDOT reconstructed the median barrier and overhead viaduct on the interstate.