Part of overpass on I-95 in NE Philly collapses after tanker fire

[roadman65]

I've seen it on GSV with someone on here pointing out it's the norm.

[ixnay]

Looks like SEPTA has robbed Peter (on the Cynwyd Line) to pay Paul (added service on the Trenton Line).

https://www5.septa.org/bulletins/until-further-notice-septa-is-adding-extra-capacity-and-service-due-to-i-95-bridge-collapse/

[hbelkins]

The conspiracy theories about this incident are running wild.

"Why can't you see any signs of a truck in the pictures?" is one of my favorites.

Personally, if I was going to take out a major freeway, I don't think I'd pick I-95 in Philadelphia as the spot to do it.

[Rothman]

The conspiracy theories about this incident are running wild.

"Why can't you see any signs of a truck in the pictures?" is one of my favorites.

Personally, if I was going to take out a major freeway, I don't think I'd pick I-95 in Philadelphia as the spot to do it.

Seems I've finally manipulated my social feeds' algorithms to keep me blissfully ignorant of the political fringes' nuttiness.

[wanderer2575]

Well Michigan shuts down freeways on purpose to replace bridges. If the Detroit area gets by without I-75, I'm sure Philly can handle it.

When has I-75 (or any other urban freeway in Michigan) been shut down for more than a weekend or few days?

In the metro Detroit area, just off the top of my head:

• Reconstruction of I-75 between I-96 and I-94
• Reconstruction of I-75 at the Ambassador Bridge (closed for two years)
• Redecking of the I-75 Rouge River bridge and additional bridge projects south of there (southbound closed for two years)
• Reconstruction of M-10 in 2006 and 2007
• Reconstruction of I-96 between US-24 and I-275 in 2014
• Reconstruction of M-39 between McNichols Road and M-10
• Reconstruction of I-275 between M-14 and I-696 (one side closed, then the other, each for about three months)
• Reconstruction of I-696 between Dequindre Road and I-94 (westbound closed for the year)

The issue is what alternate routes exist.  MDOT has shut down metro Detroit freeways when there were at least half-decent alternatives (M-5, M-102, I-275, US-24).  I don't know what the Philly road network has.

[TheStranger]

Looking at Google Maps right now (3:25 EDT) -
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.016757,-75.4023839,10z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c6b7d8d4b54beb:0x89f514d88c3e58c1!8m2!3d39.9525839!4d-75.1652215!16zL20vMGRjbGc!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu

Congestion is present on the Schuylkill (but when isn't it) and on the southern half and northern third of the Blue Route. 

Also seeing traffic on PA 291 north of the airport towards the Schuylkill, and on US 1/US 13 in North Philadelphia.

[Dough4872]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

[jeffandnicole]

Looking at Google Maps right now (3:25 EDT) -
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.016757,-75.4023839,10z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c6b7d8d4b54beb:0x89f514d88c3e58c1!8m2!3d39.9525839!4d-75.1652215!16zL20vMGRjbGc!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu

Congestion is present on the Schuylkill (but when isn't it) and on the southern half and northern third of the Blue Route. 

Also seeing traffic on PA 291 north of the airport towards the Schuylkill, and on US 1/US 13 in North Philadelphia.

There's also currently a major thunderstorm moving through the Philly area, so that's going to slow traffic down, even on the best of days.

[Dough4872]

Looks like SEPTA has robbed Peter (on the Cynwyd Line) to pay Paul (added service on the Trenton Line).

https://www5.septa.org/bulletins/until-further-notice-septa-is-adding-extra-capacity-and-service-due-to-i-95-bridge-collapse/

SEPTA only has so many resources in terms of staff and equipment, so it makes sense to reallocate staff and equipment from its least used line which can easily be substituted with buses and move them over to a line that's obviously gonna see increased ridership from the closure of I-95.

[J N Winkler]

The issue is what alternate routes exist.  MDOT has shut down metro Detroit freeways when there were at least half-decent alternatives (M-5, M-102, I-275, US-24).  I don't know what the Philly road network has.

There are good alternate routes for long-distance traffic--I can think of at least three (NJTP, I-295, I-81) that have full control of access.  Local drivers have few and unattractive options, but then their expectations of mobility by car are going to be significantly less than in Detroit.  PennDOT's recommended detour route includes segments of surface road along Roosevelt Boulevard (US 1).

[74/171FAN]

Current PennDOT website on this:  https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx

[TheStranger]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

Interesting quote here from the WPVI article:

The American Trucking Association says the disruptions caused by the collapse of I-95 are "likely to have significant impacts on the supply chain."

A spokesperson for the trade group said roughly eight to nine percent of vehicles that pass through that portion of the highway are commercial trucks.

"Those vehicles are now subject to more than 40 miles of detour, a detour that is mostly non-interstate highway with more than 60 traffic lights," the spokesperson said. "This will add significant cost in time, fuel and delays so we urge state and federal agencies to target appropriate resources to repairing and replacing this highway as quickly as possible.

Is this a reference to US 1/US 13?

In theory, some of those trying to head to the northeast suburbs could do so via NJTP/I-195/NJ 29/US 1, or I-295.

---

With regards to the overpass itself:  Is there any damage to the southbound carriageway as well?  Has PennDOT considered running both directions on that carriageway as a band-aid solution?

[74/171FAN]

With regards to the overpass itself:  Is there any damage to the southbound carriageway as well?  Has PennDOT considered running both directions on that carriageway as a band-aid solution?

Yes, southbound is considered unstable at the moment.

[jeffandnicole]

With regards to the overpass itself:  Is there any damage to the southbound carriageway as well?  Has PennDOT considered running both directions on that carriageway as a band-aid solution?

Yes, southbound is considered unstable at the moment.

The SB bridge has been declared a total loss and will be demolished this week as well, per reports via the Philly Inquirer.

[jeffandnicole]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

Interesting quote here from the WPVI article:

The American Trucking Association says the disruptions caused by the collapse of I-95 are "likely to have significant impacts on the supply chain."

A spokesperson for the trade group said roughly eight to nine percent of vehicles that pass through that portion of the highway are commercial trucks.

"Those vehicles are now subject to more than 40 miles of detour, a detour that is mostly non-interstate highway with more than 60 traffic lights," the spokesperson said. "This will add significant cost in time, fuel and delays so we urge state and federal agencies to target appropriate resources to repairing and replacing this highway as quickly as possible.

Is this a reference to US 1/US 13?

Heh.  "Supply Chain Issues".  We're talking a detour and traffic delay.  Not a shortage of raw materials.

I have no idea what "40 miles of detour" they could be referring to, especially in conjunction with 60 traffic lights.  I certainly get the 60 traffic lights; Philly has a ton of them at every block, so if a trucker was taking a parallel detour route, they would hit a lot of them, and that would potentially incur some extra fuel costs as a result (albeit offset by their slower speeds).  But the detour would cost them just a few extra miles, not 40.   If the detour involves US 1, yeah that's not interstate highway but that's not 40 miles either or 60 traffic lights, and they meet up with Interstates on both ends.  If they're taking a 40 mile detour, then they're bypassing the area, again just adding a few miles to their net trip compared to have taken 95.

The quote appears to be intentionally vague so we don't really know what exaggeration they're trying to convey here. 

Quoting Benjamin Franklin, who once stood at the base of his bridge flying a kite, saying "I'm in pursuit of life, liberty, and a congestion free ride on 95", local truckers in the area just have to figure out their new routine.  Long-distance haulers need to know to use whatever route keeps them away from 95 best.  Hopefully the Truckers' Association is helping them with that.

[Ted$8roadFan]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

Interesting quote here from the WPVI article:

The American Trucking Association says the disruptions caused by the collapse of I-95 are "likely to have significant impacts on the supply chain."

A spokesperson for the trade group said roughly eight to nine percent of vehicles that pass through that portion of the highway are commercial trucks.

"Those vehicles are now subject to more than 40 miles of detour, a detour that is mostly non-interstate highway with more than 60 traffic lights," the spokesperson said. "This will add significant cost in time, fuel and delays so we urge state and federal agencies to target appropriate resources to repairing and replacing this highway as quickly as possible.

Is this a reference to US 1/US 13?

Heh.  "Supply Chain Issues".  We're talking a detour and traffic delay.  Not a shortage of raw materials.

I have no idea what "40 miles of detour" they could be referring to, especially in conjunction with 60 traffic lights.  I certainly get the 60 traffic lights; Philly has a ton of them at every block, so if a trucker was taking a parallel detour route, they would hit a lot of them, and that would potentially incur some extra fuel costs as a result (albeit offset by their slower speeds).  But the detour would cost them just a few extra miles, not 40.   If the detour involves US 1, yeah that's not interstate highway but that's not 40 miles either or 60 traffic lights, and they meet up with Interstates on both ends.  If they're taking a 40 mile detour, then they're bypassing the area, again just adding a few miles to their net trip compared to have taken 95.

The quote appears to be intentionally vague so we don't really know what exaggeration they're trying to convey here. 

Quoting Benjamin Franklin, who once stood at the base of his bridge flying a kite, saying "I'm in pursuit of life, liberty, and a congestion free ride on 95", local truckers in the area just have to figure out their new routine.  Long-distance haulers need to know to use whatever route keeps them away from 95 best.  Hopefully the Truckers' Association is helping them with that.

I wonder if trucking interests are really worried about the alternate routes that will require tolls, especially heading into PA on the bridges or around the city altogether on 295 or the NJTP.

[kalvado]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

Interesting quote here from the WPVI article:

The American Trucking Association says the disruptions caused by the collapse of I-95 are "likely to have significant impacts on the supply chain."

A spokesperson for the trade group said roughly eight to nine percent of vehicles that pass through that portion of the highway are commercial trucks.

"Those vehicles are now subject to more than 40 miles of detour, a detour that is mostly non-interstate highway with more than 60 traffic lights," the spokesperson said. "This will add significant cost in time, fuel and delays so we urge state and federal agencies to target appropriate resources to repairing and replacing this highway as quickly as possible.

Is this a reference to US 1/US 13?

Heh.  "Supply Chain Issues".  We're talking a detour and traffic delay.  Not a shortage of raw materials.

I have no idea what "40 miles of detour" they could be referring to, especially in conjunction with 60 traffic lights.  I certainly get the 60 traffic lights; Philly has a ton of them at every block, so if a trucker was taking a parallel detour route, they would hit a lot of them, and that would potentially incur some extra fuel costs as a result (albeit offset by their slower speeds).  But the detour would cost them just a few extra miles, not 40.   If the detour involves US 1, yeah that's not interstate highway but that's not 40 miles either or 60 traffic lights, and they meet up with Interstates on both ends.  If they're taking a 40 mile detour, then they're bypassing the area, again just adding a few miles to their net trip compared to have taken 95.

The quote appears to be intentionally vague so we don't really know what exaggeration they're trying to convey here. 

Quoting Benjamin Franklin, who once stood at the base of his bridge flying a kite, saying "I'm in pursuit of life, liberty, and a congestion free ride on 95", local truckers in the area just have to figure out their new routine.  Long-distance haulers need to know to use whatever route keeps them away from 95 best.  Hopefully the Truckers' Association is helping them with that.

I wonder if trucking interests are really worried about the alternate routes that will require tolls, especially heading into PA on the bridges or around the city altogether on 295 or the NJTP.

With many contracts probably already signed, those tolls and extra miles/hours come mostly out of pocket for truckers.

[Alps]

They say the bridge will be closed for weeks. But can't they use accelerated bridge construction and replace it in a day or two?

No. ABC will still take a few weeks to get a temporary span up. They have to clear the site, assess the abutments, and repair those before anything can go up.


Oh, and traffic today? Worst backups were on I-76. That tells you what locals are doing. I-295 is already used by traffic not accessing Philly, so there's relatively little through traffic to detour. It's all gonna come from somewhere else, and that's the winner.

[KCRoadFan]

https://6abc.com/i-95-collapsed-in-philadelphia-fire-overpass/13371656/ Update, the remains of the truck driver were found this morning and the driver was identified.

Interesting quote here from the WPVI article:

The American Trucking Association says the disruptions caused by the collapse of I-95 are "likely to have significant impacts on the supply chain."

A spokesperson for the trade group said roughly eight to nine percent of vehicles that pass through that portion of the highway are commercial trucks.

"Those vehicles are now subject to more than 40 miles of detour, a detour that is mostly non-interstate highway with more than 60 traffic lights," the spokesperson said. "This will add significant cost in time, fuel and delays so we urge state and federal agencies to target appropriate resources to repairing and replacing this highway as quickly as possible.

Is this a reference to US 1/US 13?

Heh.  "Supply Chain Issues".  We're talking a detour and traffic delay.  Not a shortage of raw materials.

I have no idea what "40 miles of detour" they could be referring to, especially in conjunction with 60 traffic lights.  I certainly get the 60 traffic lights; Philly has a ton of them at every block, so if a trucker was taking a parallel detour route, they would hit a lot of them, and that would potentially incur some extra fuel costs as a result (albeit offset by their slower speeds).  But the detour would cost them just a few extra miles, not 40.   If the detour involves US 1, yeah that's not interstate highway but that's not 40 miles either or 60 traffic lights, and they meet up with Interstates on both ends.  If they're taking a 40 mile detour, then they're bypassing the area, again just adding a few miles to their net trip compared to have taken 95.

The quote appears to be intentionally vague so we don't really know what exaggeration they're trying to convey here. 

Quoting Benjamin Franklin, who once stood at the base of his bridge flying a kite, saying "I'm in pursuit of life, liberty, and a congestion free ride on 95", local truckers in the area just have to figure out their new routine.  Long-distance haulers need to know to use whatever route keeps them away from 95 best.  Hopefully the Truckers' Association is helping them with that.

I wonder if trucking interests are really worried about the alternate routes that will require tolls, especially heading into PA on the bridges or around the city altogether on 295 or the NJTP.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Turnpike were to waive the tolls for the southernmost section between the Delaware Memorial Bridge and where I-95 comes in at Exit 6.

[jeffandnicole]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Turnpike were to waive the tolls for the southernmost section between the Delaware Memorial Bridge and where I-95 comes in at Exit 6.

If there's any guarantees in life, one of them would be that won't be happening.

First - This isn't the NJ Turnpike's problem.

Second - there's the freebee I-295 right next door.

Third - Even today, the NJ Turnpike is the main route for thru traffic from Delaware and points south to North Jersey and points North, which continues to be the shortest and fastest route for thru traffic nearly all of the time.   Strictly following I-95, which has only been possibly for fewer than 5 years, is slower in speed, longer in miles, and generally more congested.  For SB travel, there's barely a toll savings.  For NB travel, there's a minor toll savings.  And due to the mentioned disadvantages, any savings in tolls is generally eaten up by those losses.

[ilpt4u]

The only way the NJTP would be toll-free from Southpoint to Exit 6 is if someone is paying for it...be it USDOT/FHWA, PennDOT/PA, etc. I don't see that happening

The Turnpike Authority isn't going to offer free rides because "free"  I-95 thru Philly is broken

I do think this scenario highlights that the NJTP between I-295 and Exit 6 really should be made a formal part of the Interstate Highway System and designated as such. An I-95E or I-895 (or other available even 3di) designation/shield would get the job done. That said, the Turnpike has not shown any interest in seeking the I-shield south of Exit 6 that I'm aware of.

[Henry]

Cue in Randy Newman's Burn On, and sub in "Philly" for "Cleveland".

"There's a yellow sun rising/On the Delaware Expressway/Rolling into Philly by the tracks (x2)
There's an oil truck traveling/Up the Delaware Expressway/Rolling into Philly by the tracks (x2)
Philly, city of light, city of magic/Philly, city of light, you're calling me
Philly, even now I can remember/'Cause the Delaware Expressway goes smokin' through my dreams

Burn on, big highway, burn on/Burn on, big highway, burn on

Now the Lord can make you tumble/Lord can make you turn
The Lord can make you back up/But the Lord can't make you burn

Burn on, big highway, burn on/Burn on, big highway, burn on"

This is a huge blow to the nation's busiest Interstate, with most traffic now forced into NJ, on the other side of the river. Although I'm worried that it will take several months to repair, as has been mentioned many times in this thread, hopefully a quick replacement can be made, like there was on I-85 in Atlanta.

(My sincere apologies to Mr. Newman)

[Dough4872]

The only way the NJTP would be toll-free from Southpoint to Exit 6 is if someone is paying for it...be it USDOT/FHWA, PennDOT/PA, etc. I don't see that happening

The Turnpike Authority isn't going to offer free rides because "free"  I-95 thru Philly is broken

I do thing this scenario highlights that the NJTP between I-295 and Exit 6 really should be made a formal part of the Interstate Highway System and designated as such. An I-95E or I-895 (or other available even 3di) designation/shield would get the job done. That said, the Turnpike has not shown any interest in seeking the I-shield south of Exit 6 that I'm aware of.

I don't think designating the southern part of the NJTP an Interstate will really change traffic habits. Although it would make sense to incorporate it into the Interstate Highway System.

[roadman65]

It makes sense to incorporate, but NJ Turnpike officials and the state, have no intention of expanding the existing interstate network in New Jersey hence I-76 ending in Bellmawr or NJ 24 existing today as a state route.

[bluecountry]

Question, will this impact NJTP traffic, or long distance NY to DC?
I would think no, that I-295 would have more issues, but wanted to check.