The Chestnut Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River has recently reopened after being closed for reconstruction for more than two years. The 65-year-old bridge closed for repairs in August 2019 to all traffic, causing detours of SEPTA buses 21 and 42. The construction on the bridge had to be paused in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The $103.5 million construction project, carried out by PennDOT, included the repair of the bridge’s steel superstructure and replacement of the deck. The upgrades also include wider sidewalks and a protected bike lane.

Construction work on the Chestnut Street Bridge and Schuylkill Expressway/I-76 viaducts will resume on Monday, May 4, according to an announcement by PennDOT. Motorists should watch out for reduced lanes and closed shoulders and ramps in the work area. Expect significant backups and delays near the work area.

PennDOT is resuming the project in accordance with Governor Tom Wolf’s plan for a phased-in reopening of public and private construction. The project was paused on March 17 in response to mitigation efforts. Work on the project will be in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan, which includes protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, and other safety measures.  Continue Reading

The Chestnut Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River will close for renovation on Monday, Aug. 5. The bridge will be closed to all traffic – cars, pedestrians and bicycles – for approximately one year.

The closure will result in many changes in traffic pattern, volume and detours in the area, including public transportation. SEPTA buses 21 and 42 are detouring around the bridge to cross the Schuylkill on Market Street. Traffic congestion and travel delays should be anticipated during this time.  Continue Reading

The Walnut Street ramp to I-76 East at 30th Street will close tonight at 7 p.m. for 25 days of construction, according to an announcement by PennDOT. Motorists will be redirected west on Walnut Street, left on 38th Street to University Avenue, and then south on 34th Street to access the ramp to eastbound I-76. The ramp is scheduled to reopen on Friday, June 14 (weather permitting).

The ramp repairs are part of PennDOT’s $103.6 million project to rehabilitate the Chestnut Street bridge over the Schuylkill River and seven other nearby structures, including the westbound I-76 ramp to 30th Street and the Walnut Street on-ramp to eastbound I-76 at 30th Street. The Chestnut Street bridge over the Schuylkill River is scheduled to close for approximately one year beginning in mid-June for major rehabilitation — including steel repairs, repainting and re-decking.

For more information about the project, visit chestnutstreetbridges.com.

Aerial map of the Chestnut Street Bridges project area (courtesy PennDOT).

The Chestnut Street Bridges rehabilitation project began today and street closings near 30th Street Station will affect vehicular and pedestrian traffic for many months.

Northbound Schuylkill Avenue between Walnut and Chestnut Streets closed at 7 a.m. on Monday for approximately two years, according to an announcement by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

The closure of northbound Schuylkill Avenue will prohibit right turns by motorists and cyclists heading into West Philadelphia using the Walnut Street bridge over the Schuylkill River.

Motorists using Walnut Street and heading to 30th Street Station or the ramp to westbound I-76 or the ramp to eastbound I-676 will be detoured west to 30th Street, then right on 30th Street to Market Street, and right on Market Street to Schuylkill Avenue.  Continue Reading