I-76 East Closure Planned This Weekend Canceled: PennDOT

PHILADELPHIA — PennDOT has canceled this weekend's closure of Interstate 76 in Gray's Ferry.

A PennDOT contractor was scheduled to close I-76 east from 9 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday.

The closure would have accommodated bridge deck repair on two structures.

PennDOT said that work has been moved to the following weekend due to two playoff games planned at Citizens Bank Park Saturday and Sunday.

Weather permitting, drivers are advised of the following travel restriction for next weekend:

• 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, eastbound I-76 will be closed from just after the ramp to Grays Ferry Avenue/University Avenue (Exit 346B) to just before the 34th Street on-ramp.

During the closure of I-76 East, the regional detour route will use I-676 East to I-95 South; or I-476 South to I-95 North.

Local traffic will be directed to exit at Grays Ferry Avenue/University Avenue (Exit 346B) and use the University Avenue Bridge/34th Street to access the ramp to I-76 East. All ramps to-and-from I-76 East will remain open to traffic during the weekend closure.

Electronic message boards on I-76 and other regional transportation arteries will be utilized to alert motorists about the closure and provide specific alternate routes. This weekend closure is being coordinated with the City of Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, SEPTA, and other stakeholders and transportation agencies across the region.

Drivers are advised to avoid the closure areas if possible because significant backups will occur on I-76 East approaching the work area, and on surface streets in the vicinity of the work area and detour routes.