Schuylkill Expressway Closure: Major I-76 Traffic Restrictions Coming to Philadelphia This Weekend

If you plan to travel through Center City Philadelphia this weekend, you’ll want to allow extra time and expect delays.

PennDOT has announced a major closure of Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) as work continues on the $148.9 million Market Street Bridge construction project. The project involves replacing and rehabilitating the bridges that carry Market Street over Amtrak and I-76, as well as the Schuylkill River Trail and the CSX Railroad.

The biggest impact for drivers will come from 9 p.m. Friday, October 9, through 5 a.m. Monday, October 12, when I-76 will be closed in both directions between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges.

The traffic disruptions won’t end there. PennDOT also announced that from Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, overnight closures will take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night. During those hours, either the eastbound or westbound side of I-76 will be closed between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges. Officials say the direction of the nightly closures will depend on the progress of construction work and events taking place at the South Philadelphia sports complex.

Drivers traveling eastbound during the closure will be directed to exit at Arch Street/30th Street. The detour route will guide motorists along Chestnut Street and Schuylkill Avenue before reconnecting with I-76 at Walnut Street.

For westbound travelers, the detour will direct traffic off I-76 at Walnut Street. Drivers can then use Schuylkill Avenue to access the ramps leading back to I-76 or connect with I-676.

To help accommodate traffic during the weekend closure, the current traffic pattern on the University Avenue Bridge over the Schuylkill River will be temporarily adjusted to allow two lanes of traffic in both directions through Monday morning, October 12.

PennDOT is encouraging motorists to plan ahead and anticipate significant backups around the work zone and along the designated detour routes. Whether you’re commuting through the city, attending an event, or simply passing through Philadelphia, building extra time into your travel plans could help reduce frustration.

Travelers looking for current traffic conditions, delays, weather updates, and live traffic camera feeds can use Pennsylvania’s 511PA system. Additional project information, including detour details and email notification signups, is available through the Market Street Bridge project website.