State Police Issue Dire Warning Ahead Of Pope Visit; 'Gridlock Conditions' Expected

The Pope’s first visit to the United States is generating a lot of buzz worldwide, and is expected to completely shut down the area surrounding Philadelphia. 

“Residents need to treat this event like they would a forecasted snowstorm,” New Jersey State Police are warning the general public. “That means buy your groceries, refill critical medicines, complete your errands before that day. Don’t schedule unnecessary medical procedures or appointments during that period. Then—if you’re not attending the event—hunker down to wait the traffic out.”

And hope there isn’t a real weather emergency.

Police are warning residents to expect “gridlock conditions” on all main roads within a 25-mile radius of Philadelphia. Drivers can experience the nightmare to begin as early as Wednesday, Sept. 23, and last through Sept. 28.

Drivers just passing through that area will be affected as all north/south roads will be impacted, police said.

Along with the Ben Franklin Bridge, portions of I-676 and Route 30 approaching the bridge will be closed, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Other roads expected to pose problems for drivers include: I-295, Routes 38, 42, 45, 47, 55, 70, 73, 76, 90, 130, 168 and 322.

Drivers should also avoid I-95, I-195 and Route 1 if possible.

For more from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, visit www.popenj.com.

Pope Francis is coming to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families Papal Mass on Friday, Sept. 25. He will visit Philadelphia through Sept. 27.

For more on NJ Transit’s preparations for the Pope’s visit, click here.

The attached map was posted on the New Jersey State Police Department’s Facebook page.