PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) will close in both directions between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges beginning at 9 p.m. Friday as crews work to replace a structure over the highway.<\/p>\n
The closure will last through the weekend as work continues on a $150 million project to rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge and the bridge over I-76.<\/p>\n
Construction has already been underway for months.<\/p>\n
“Doing some demo work, removing concrete, the remainder of the decking, steel girders,” said Brad Rudolph of PennDOT.<\/p>\n
The first section being replaced is the structure that carries Schuylkill Avenue near I-676.<\/p>\n
PennDOT is warning drivers about detours and expected congestion during the closure. The suggested routes are on I-95 and I-676.<\/p>\n
“An entire weekend, you know, can be challenging. Especially for drivers. So we’re trying to alert people to either avoid or plan ahead some extra time to get through there,” Rudolph said.<\/p>\n
The Market Street Bridge closed in August. This weekend’s work is the first of five planned weekend closures intended to eventually replace the entire structure over the highway in 48-hour increments.<\/p>\n
Rudolph said the work has required years of planning and coordination with transportation agencies, the city and events at the sports complex.<\/p>\n
“A lot of coordination between, of course, with SEPTA, Amtrak, the city, the sports complex – when are the Eagles playing, are the Phillies in the playoffs? A lot of considerations,” Rudolph said.<\/p>\n
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area if possible or allow additional travel time.<\/p>\n
Rain expected Sunday could affect the crews’ progress. However, crews are expected to have the work completed and I-76 reopened by 5 a.m. Monday.<\/p>\n