Truck Had Escort On Approved Route Before Bridge Strike: Philly Police

PHILADELPHIA — Police in Philadelphia said despite being on a "properly permitted and approved route" and having police escorts, a truck hauling an oversized load still struck the Conrail bridge over Interstate 95 in Philadelphia Monday.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash that has closed a portion of Interstate 95 north since Monday evening.

According to police, the crash occurred at about 1:10 p.m. on Interstate 95 north near mile marker 26.

The driver, a 37-year-old male, was not hurt in the crash, police said.

Interstate 95 northbound between Aramingo Avenue and the Betsy Ross Bridge was shut down to allow for a structural inspection of the bridge.

At about 10 p.m. Monday, northbound I-95 was shut down at the crash site for repair work.

PennDOT said the highway would be closed for "several days" due to the repair work.

Drivers on I-95 North directed to take the Betsy Ross/Aramingo Avenue exit, then turn right on Aramingo Avenue, and again right onto Adams Avenue to get onto the ramp to I-95 North.

The ramp from Castor Avenue to northbound I-95 will also be closed and detoured during the work. Drivers will be directed to use Aramingo Avenue to get to the ramp to I-95 North at Adams Avenue.

Motorists are advised to avoid the closure areas because significant backups and delays will occur on I-95, the alternate routes and surface streets in the vicinity of the work area.

Electronic message boards on I-76, I-276, I-476, and other regional transportation arteries in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey are being used to alert motorists about the closure and provide information about alternate routes.

Due to the bridge strike, NJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line is suspended in both directions between 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill. NJ Transit rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by PATCO and substitute bus service is being provided between the 30th Street and Cherry Hill stations.