News Summary
Construction is underway for the $268 million I-95/BS2 project in Northeast Philadelphia, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at the Bridge Street interchange. Key activities include deck construction on a new southbound viaduct, installation of retaining walls, and enhancements to drainage systems. This project will also introduce a new signalized interchange and a fourth lane, expected to alleviate congestion significantly for local commuters. Completion is projected for 2028, with ongoing improvements in traffic management and roadway safety.
Northeast Philadelphia – Construction is now underway for the $268 million I-95/BS2 project, aimed at improving the Bridge Street interchange. Current work includes deck construction on a new southbound viaduct that will enhance traffic flow and safety along this significant transportation route.
Crews have begun placing reinforcing steel, or rebar, and are preparing for paving at the northern end of the viaduct, which will eventually pass over Bridge, Tacony, and several other surface streets before connecting to new at-grade paving. As part of this construction phase, two of the four new retaining walls have been completed, with the remaining two under construction on the southbound side of the interchange. These walls will support embankments, facilitating the addition of a fourth lane and a new off-ramp at James Street.
The new off-ramp is particularly noteworthy as it will replace the previously closed southbound ramp to James Street, leading to a new signalized interchange on Tacony Street. In preparation for this, an upgraded stormwater drainage system is being installed alongside the new pavement and off-ramp construction.
The current traffic exiting southbound I-95 at Bridge Street has been redirected to Aramingo Avenue to accommodate construction activities. Additionally, a new water main has been established under Tacony Street, and ongoing sewer line construction alongside utility work by subcontractors such as PECO is contributing to the improvements.
Further construction developments include a new on-ramp to I-95 north at Tacony Street, as well as the Delaware Avenue Extension that will connect to this new ramp. The initial construction phase for the Delaware Avenue Extension is expected to kick off this summer. These enhancements are part of a broader initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and infrastructure on I-95.
The I-95/BS2 project is the second of five contracts focused on the reconstruction and widening of I-95. The previous contract, known as Section BS1, involved extensive rebuilding and widening from Levick to Carver streets and was successfully completed in early 2023. Section BS2, which is projected for completion in 2028, will maintain three travel lanes in each direction on I-95 during peak travel times, though there may be periodic lane closures during off-peak hours.
The general contractor for Section BS2 is James J. Anderson Construction, a firm based in Philadelphia, tasked with ensuring that the project meets its scheduled deadlines while minimizing disruptions to commuters.
This massive infrastructure project is crucial for the region as it aims to improve traffic congestion and enhance safety for the thousands of vehicles that traverse this vital corridor each day. Major advancements in traffic management and roadway safety are anticipated upon the project’s completion, ensuring that residents and businesses in Northeast Philadelphia can benefit from improved access and reduced travel times.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia DOT Announces Lane Closures on Interstate 16
Additional Resources
- 95revive: BSR Construction Update Spring 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- MyChesco: Major I-95 Reconstruction Project Set to Begin
- Google Search: I-95 reconstruction in northeast Philadelphia
- NBC Philadelphia: I-95 Collapse Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Construction
- Roads & Bridges: PennDOT Begins Bridge Repairs on I-95
- Google News: I-95 construction Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
