Major Highways Around Philly To Close For Pope's Visit

PennDOT has announced road closures during the Papal visit next month. Pope Francis will be arriving in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Due to street closures in Philadelphia and the needs of law enforcement and emergency agencies, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced it will close the following roads beginning on Friday, September 25th at 10 p.m.:

• I-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95 and I-76 westbound from I-95 to U.S. Route 1 (Roosevelt Extension);
• I-676 in both directions from I-76 to I-95
• U.S. Route 1 in both directions from U.S. 30 to Belmont Avenue.

Authorities announced this week that the Ben Franklin Bridge will close during the Pope’s visit. The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, to noon on Monday, Sept. 28, Philly.com reported.

“Due to the size and scope of the event and the large crowds expected, Philadelphia and event organizers requested assistance from the commonwealth. We are ready to assist event organizers and planners to keep people safe and make this historic Papal visit to Philadelphia a success,” Governor Tom Wolf said.