Interstate 676 Open Again After Barges Towed Upriver

PHILADELPHIA — Interstate 676 in Philadelphia is open again after barges stuck against the Vine Street Expressway Bridge were removed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The eastbound and westbound lanes of I-676 reopened after three barges that were lodged against the Schuylkill River-spanning bridge were moved upriver.

Due to the barges lodged against the bridge, PennDOT closed the highway in both directions, as well as the ramps between the Broad Street and Interstate 76 interchanges Tuesday afternoon.

The barges were being used by the Army Corps of Engineers and its contractor to dredge portions of the waterway above the Fairmount Dam. During Tropical Storm Isaias, the barges were pushed downstream and rested against and under the Bridge.

PennDOT inspected the structure on Wednesday using a bridge crane with an articulating boom that curled under the deck to enable engineers to examine the bearings, the bridge beam that came in contact with the barge, and all connections to make sure the bridge was structurally sound.

The only damage found was a bent welded plate that prevents girders from buckling.

Despite no serious damage to the bridge, PennDOT kept I-676 and the associated ramps closed until the water receded and the Army Corps of Engineers and its contractor safely towed the barges upstream to their original location.