Disaster Emergency Declared In Interstate 95 Collapse

PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Philadelphia County in response to the Interstate 95 fire and collapse in Northeast Philadelphia Sunday morning.

Shapiro said the declaration will "expedite the rebuilding of I-95 and cut through the red tape."

The declaration will also let the state pull from federal funds to more quickly repair the collapsed highway.

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I-95 is a critical artery that supports Pennsylvania's economy and plays an important role in Pennsylvanians' lives, and the Governor’s disaster declaration will cut through the red tape and provide Commonwealth agencies with the resources needed to repair I-95 safely and as efficiently as possible.

"My Administration is in regular contact with our federal partners, who have pledged their complete support and assistance as we create alternative routes and rebuild I-95," Shapiro said. "My Administration is all hands on deck to repair I-95 as safely and as efficiently as possible."

The Governor’s proclamation makes $7 million of state funds immediately available for the reconstruction of the roadway and authorizes the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Transportation, and the Pennsylvania State Police to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary.

The proclamation also cuts red tape, waiving bidding and contracting procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law.

Per the constitutional amendment approved in 2021, this proclamation will remain in place for 21 days, unless extended by the legislature.

The impacted section of highway carries about 160,000 vehicles daily.

During the closure, southbound drivers are being detoured to Route 63 West/Woodhaven Road, U.S. 1 South, then Interstates 76 East and 676 East.

Northbound drivers are detoured to Interstates 676 West and 76 West, then U.S. 1 North and Route 63 East. PennDOT has full details on the detour online here.

SEPTA is adding capacity on its Trenton, West Trenton and Fox Chase lines, and will temporarily bus the Cynwyd line. Free parking is also available at the Fern Rock, Fox Chase, and Torresdale SEPTA stations.