Philadelphia, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Major construction on the I-95 expansion and Penn’s Landing Park is progressing in Philadelphia, with key milestones set through 2026. This project aims to enhance connectivity between Center City and the waterfront. Workers are currently focused on the eastern abutment and support pier, while upcoming installations will improve transportation options for pedestrians and cyclists. The total budget is estimated at $328.9 million, funded through federal, local, and private sources, creating a larger civic space along the waterfront.
Philadelphia
Major construction efforts on the I-95 expansion and the new Penn’s Landing Park are well underway in Philadelphia, with significant progress expected through the fall of 2023. This project involves extending the Interstate 95 cover over Columbus Boulevard to enhance connectivity between Center City and the waterfront.
Currently, workers are focused on the eastern abutment and support pier for the cover extension. The completion of this pier will allow for the installation of steel deck beams over both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95, which will occur in three phases. The beam installation is anticipated to finish by mid-2026, while the deck installation for Christopher Columbus Boulevard is scheduled from November 2026 through February 2027.
During this period, there will be a non-working holiday break from mid-December to early January. Additionally, construction on the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is expected to wrap up by early December, with the ramp reopening to traffic by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the assembly of the new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension is set to commence in early 2026. This pedestrian bridge will provide easier access from Center City to Penn’s Landing by crossing over Columbus Boulevard. The existing bridge will remain open with some minor interruptions expected, while pathways for pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be available via Dock and Market Streets during construction.
Surface utility work by utility companies, including PECO and Comcast, was completed in spring 2025. However, sewer facility installations at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard are scheduled to continue until fall 2025. Additionally, PECO, Comcast, and Verizon are set to install further surface facilities at Front Street in fall 2025.
As construction progresses, minor lane shifts on I-95, and temporary lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and Front Street will be experienced. The total budget for this extensive project is estimated at $328.9 million and is funded through a blend of federal, local, and private sources.
The PennDOT initiative aims to create a larger cover over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, enhancing transportation connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and multi-modal transit options through the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project. The new Park at Penn’s Landing will transform the area into an 11.5-acre civic space featuring gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion.
As part of the revitalization, the Irish and Scottish memorials that have been temporarily relocated to Spruce Street will be reestablished in a permanent area on the new I-95 cover upon project completion. For further details, updates, and travel alerts, community members can access the project websites.
Project Timeline and Key Milestones
- Pier Completion: Mid-2026
- Beam Installation: Mid-2026
- Deck Installation for Columbus Boulevard: November 2026 – February 2027
- Market Street Ramp Reopening: End of 2023
- South Street Pedestrian Bridge Assembly: Early 2026
- Sewer Facility Installation Completion: Fall 2025
FAQ
What is the budget for the I-95 expansion and Penn’s Landing Park project?
The total budget for the project is estimated at $328.9 million, funded by federal, local, and private sources.
When is the expected completion date for the pedestrian bridge?
The assembly of the new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension is expected to begin in early 2026.
How will traffic be affected during the construction?
Minor lane shifts on I-95, lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard, and temporary closures of adjacent ramps will be experienced during construction.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | $328.9 million |
| Completion of Pier | Mid-2026 |
| Deck Installation Schedule | November 2026 – February 2027 |
| New Park Size | 11.5 acres |
| Pedestrian Bridge Assembly Start | Early 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 95Revive: CAP Construction Update Summer 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- NBC Philadelphia: Evening Construction on I-95
- Google Search: I-95 expansion Philadelphia
- Metro Philadelphia: I-95 South Closures Center City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Penn’s Landing
- 92.5 XTU: Overnight I-95 Construction Work
- Google News: Penn’s Landing Park construction
- Northeast Times: PennDOT I-95 Reconstruction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
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