I-95 Cap, Park Project Gets Go-Ahead From PennDOT

PHILADELPHIA — PennDOT's massive plan to cap part of Interstate 95 at Penn's Landing is about to begin.

Part of the $328.9 million project entails covering a portion of the highway and creating an 11.5-acre park spanning I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, extending from Front Street to the Delaware River.

Project contractor Buckley & Company Inc. of Philadelphia was given the go-ahead Monday on the project.

Buckley & Company will replace and expand the existing covered section of Interstate 95 at Penn’s Landing along the riverfront in Center City Philadelphia.

The company can now establish a protected work zone and perform preliminary construction activities across a project area that stretches over and adjacent to the interstate between Market and South streets.

Large-scale construction activities, including the demolition of bridge structures, will start in the spring following a public pre-construction meeting to provide residents and business owners with details and scheduling of the coming construction.

The time and location of the pre-construction meeting will be announced jointly by PennDOT, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, a partner in the I-95/CAP project, Philadelphia.

In addition to replacing the cap over I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut streets, the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia Project will improve pedestrian and multi-modal connections between Center City and the waterfront.

The project has two main components: a new Park at Penn’s Landing, and a new signature bridge at South Street, both of which will also extend over Columbus Boulevard to connect cyclists and pedestrians to the newly completed Delaware River Trail.

The new park will be an 11.5-acre civic space spanning I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, extending from Front Street to the Delaware River.

A concurrent Delaware River Waterfront Corporation project construction will include the park topside amenities including gardens, play areas, flexible open space, a contemplative setting for the Irish and Scottish memorials, and a mass-timber pavilion.

During construction, drivers on I-95 will see minor lane shifts on the mainline and adjacent ramps.

Other travel restrictions also will take place on I-95 and adjacent surface streets — including Columbus Boulevard and Front Street, during various phases of construction.

Pedestrian access between Center City and the waterfront will also be maintained on Dock Street and Market Street during construction.

The project is financed with federal, local, and private funds.

Learn more about PennDOT's plan for the project online here and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation's plans online here.