Major Road Closures This Week For Pope Visit

The Pope’s visit to Philadelphia is just days away. With more than two million people expected to visit the region and a massive security effort underway, residents should be prepared for regional road closures.

Most of the road closures won’t begin until later this week, however, the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia is now closed for setup of the World Meeting of Families festivities.

Pope Francis is due to arrive in Philadelphia on Saturday. He departs for Rome on Sunday night, according to his itinerary released by The Vatican.

Here’s a rundown of major road closures you can expect this week due to the Pope’s visit:

Starting Friday at 10 p.m., the following roads will close:

• I-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95
• I-76 westbound from I-95 to US Route 1
• I-676 will be closed in both directions from I-76 to I-95
• The Ben Franklin bridge will close to vehicular traffic until noon on Monday, Sept. 28
• US Route 1 from Route 30 to Belmont Ave.
  

I-95 will remain open but some ramps will be closed starting at 10 p.m. until the morning of Monday, Sept. 28:

• I-95 north and south exit ramps to Callowhill Street in Philadelphia
• I-95 north and south exit ramps to I-676 in Philadelphia
• I-95 north and south exit ramps to Washington Avenue (Open to registered buses only) in Philadelphia
• I-95 north and south exit ramps to Broad Street (Route 611) (Open to registered buses only) in Philadelphia

The following exit ramps along I-676 in Philadelphia will close Thursday, September 24 at 10 p.m., until the morning of Monday, Sept. 28:

• I-676 east exit at 23rd Street/Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• I-676 east exit at Broad Street (Route 611)
• I-676 east exit at 8th Street
• I-676 west exit at Broad Street (Route 611)
• I-676 west exit at Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

In New Jersey, a State of Emergency goes into effect during the Pope’s visit and remains in effect through Tuesday, September 29 at 8 a.m.

Click here to view Patch’s complete guide to the Pope’s visit.