MLK Drive Bridge Closed, Rehabilitation Project Now Underway

PHILADELPHIA — The Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Bridge in Philadelphia is now closed to all traffic as a major rehab project begins.

Officials announced the closure in early March, but it is now effective to all vehicles and pedestrians.

The project was launched after a 2021 inspection revealed one of the connections of the steel framing to be about 75 percent deteriorated.

As a result, the bridge remained closed to vehicular traffic, but open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge closure is expected to last until Spring 2025. Vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian detour signs have been posted to direct travelers around the worksite.

MLK Drive will also be closed to vehicular traffic every weekend beginning on Saturday, April 1 to provide recreational access for non-motorized users during bridge construction.

Weekend closures will happen starting on Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Mondays at 7 a.m.

This is in addition to the road closures and detours previously announced.

City officials joined Federal partners Monday to highlight $20.1 million in federal infrastructure investments which will fully fund the structural rehabilitation.

"This bridge is a critical gateway from Center City into West Fairmount Park, with sweeping views of the Art Museum and Boat House Row. Delaying this critical rehabilitation project due to lack of funding would have placed an enormous burden on the communities along both sides of the river and caused unnecessary economic impacts," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "Today, thanks to a $20.1 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Philadelphia can start construction activities for the MLK Drive Bridge Rehabilitation Project which will create an estimated 200 union jobs and ensure a balanced, safe bridge for all road users for years to come."

The MLK Drive Bridge Rehabilitation Project involves the demolition and removal of the existing concrete bridge deck and barriers, and the construction of a new composite concrete bridge deck, barriers and railing, as well as rehabilitation work on the bridge superstructure and substructure, painting of the steel girders, roadway approach work, street lighting, ADA curb ramps, and other miscellaneous construction.

"Over a year ago, I stood in front of this bridge with Secretary Buttigieg as we announced the first round of bridge funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Today, we’re back at MLK Drive Bridge to celebrate the start of construction to repair this vital artery for all Philadelphians—fully paid for by the infrastructure law," said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). "When the bridge reopens, people will have shorter commute times, emergency vehicles and trucks transporting critical supplies will reach their destinations more efficiently, and all Philadelphians who use this bridge will have peace of mind knowing it is safe."

Reconstruction of the bridge was awarded to Haines & Kibblehouse, Inc. contractors and it is estimated it will create nearly 200 direct construction union jobs and about 80 indirect jobs through the supply chain.