I-95 Opening Shows PA Can 'Get S*** Done,' Shapiro Says

PHILADELPHIA — The speedy construction of the temporary six-lane highway on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia shows how Pennsylvania can "get s*** done" in a time of need, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Shapiro in a news conference Friday at the construction site said the reopening of the collapsed and demolished portion of Interstate 95 was rebuilt and reopened in just 12 days time thanks to the efforts of local union laborers, federal assistance, first responders, and state agencies.

"When we work together, we can get s*** done here in Pennsylvania," Shapiro said to applause.

While the road officially opens to regular traffic at noon Friday, the first vehicles crossed the new structure on the northbound lanes at about 11 a.m.

Those vehicles belong to Engine 38 of the Philadelphia Fire Department, the first crews to respond to the initial crash and fire on the morning of Sunday, June 11.

"It's a great road, it's a big deal we're reopening it," Shapiro said.

The six lane highway features three lanes each in the north and southbound directions.

Lanes are 11 feet wide with no shoulder.

Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, who has essentially lived at the site for two weeks, urged drivers to be patient and navigate the new road with care.

"I hope the people of Philly will continue to be partners and drive through this safely," he said.

The new highway has a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit.

"Please take your time going through this zone," Carroll said.

Officials said this portion of Interstate 95 sees an average of 160,000 vehicles daily and acts as a main artery for moving people and goods.

While the temporary road is being used, PennDOT, contractors, and other partners will be working to construct permanent lanes on either side of the temporary highway.

"It's a day to celebrate, but the work continues," Carroll said.

The road was forced to close after a tractor trailer hauling thousands of gallons of gasoline crashed on the Route 73/Cottman Avenue ramp under the highway, igniting a massive fire, the morning of Sunday, June 11.

The truck's driver, Nathaniel Moody, 51, of New Jersey, died in the crash.

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Intense heat from the fire caused the bridge on northbound Interstate 95 to collapse and damaged the integrity of the southbound lanes so badly that demolition was necessary.

According to Shapiro's office, the Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Union organizations have made a collective $50,000 donation to build a trust for Moody's daughter.