The Interstate 95 bridge in Philadelphia, destroyed by a tanker explosion less than two weeks ago, is scheduled to reopen at noon today (Friday), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in a press conference this morning. rice field.
With construction of a permanent replacement bridge to return traffic to the East Coast’s main north-south highway back in the day is expected to take several months, the State Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has decided to prevent traffic from returning to the East Coast. We chose to build temporary lanes in both directions to make this possible. Highway while construction on an adjacent span is underway.
PennDOT created the information Portal Visit our website for up-to-date information on repair work. The agency issued an update Thursday night that restrictions on roads around the overpass should be lifted on Friday as three temporary lanes open in each direction on Interstate 95. New lanes have been installed and PennDOT is working this morning to finalize the placement of medians and barriers before allowing traffic to reopen to the interstate. Due to the rainy weather this week, it was difficult to cure the asphalt and attach the lane markings, and temporary repair work did not proceed. Pocono Raceway and NASCAR have also collaborated, providing one of his trucks with a jet dryer to help dry the track.
The bridge collapsed in the early hours of June 11. Fatal crash of petrol tanker truck sparks massive fire The structure was completely damaged under the bridge. The deceased driver lost control near a curve, state transportation officials said. There were no other casualties or injuries.
The closure of an important commercial artery disrupted traffic in and around Philadelphia, forcing cars and trucks to bypass the area. State and federal officials have pledged to take swift action to minimize economic impact and inconvenience.
In order to get I-95 back into service as soon as possible, workers will need about 2,000 tons (1,814 tons) of lightweight glass nuggets Fill in the underpass, raise it to the ground level, and pave it to create three lanes in each direction.
The 24-hour construction was live-streamed to thousands of viewers online.
President Joe Biden toured the site by helicopter with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro just over a week after the collapse. complimented the design It was rated as “incredibly innovative for completing this task in record time.”
“Given the incredible progress these crews have made over the weekend and the time it will take to complete the remaining steps, we can say that Interstate 95 can be reopened this weekend,” Shapiro said Tuesday afternoon. ‘ said. “We worked around the clock to achieve this, completing each stage ahead of schedule and safely. Thanks to the hard working men and women of the Philadelphia building trade who keep us going.”
Permanent repairs are expected to take months and cost at least $30 million, according to PennDOT.
The Philadelphia disaster replicated a similar situation in Atlanta, where there was an elevated section of Interstate 85. collapsed in a fire, closed a busy route through the city center in March 2017. It took 43 days for local authorities to replace the route.
In Oakland, California, a collapsed highway ramp was replaced in 26 days. Also in 2013, Washington State’s Interstate 5 bridge collapsed after a heavy truck struck the bridge truss. The car and its occupants were thrown into the Skagit River, but no one was killed. Two temporary prefabricated structures were installed and the interstate reopened 27 days later.
To watch live video of construction work through the State Department of Transportation, please visit: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
Includes AP coverage.
