Commuters were facing delays in the Northeast on Monday after a vehicle fire under I-95 caused a portion of the major interstate to collapse over the weekend, setting the region up for a long period of reconstruction and travel headaches.
“It’s going to take longer than normal to get to work,” said Leslie Richards, head of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, at a press conference Sunday evening near the collapse site.
The northbound side of I-95 completely collapsed early Sunday after a commercial truck carrying a petroleum-based product caught fire, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said. The southbound side is not structurally sound to carry any traffic over it, he said.
State and regional officials created detours and are working on “further alternative methods” to ensure folks can safely get to where they need to go. “We’re also looking at interim solutions to connect both sides of I-95 to get traffic through the area,” Shapiro said.
I-95 collapse in Philadelphia:How did the section of the major interstate collapse?
Late Sunday, at least one vehicle was still trapped under the collapsed roadway, but there were no immediate reports of injuries, Shapiro said. “We’re still working to identify any individual or individuals who may have been caught in the fire and the collapse,” he said.
Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg was monitoring the situation, and President Joe Biden was also briefed. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was working with the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct a safety investigation.
Is I-95 still closed?
A complete rebuild of I-95 roadway is expected to take “a number of months,” Shapiro said. The main north-south highway on the East Coast stretches from Florida through Maine to Canada. “I-95 is a critical roadway that supports our economy and plays an important role in folks’ everyday lives,” he said.
Where was the I-95 collapse?
The collapse happened near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philadelphia, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.
What part of I-95 is closed?
All lanes of I-95 are closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits, and some streets in the surrounding area are also closed for emergency response, the office said.
I-95 detour routes recommended
For people traveling on I-95 southbound, officials recommended using Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road) to U.S. 1 South to 76 East to 676 East. For people traveling I-95 northbound, officials recommended I-676 West to I-76 West to U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road).
Philadelphia residents should use regional public transits services, such as rapid transit, commuter rail or light rail, the city’s Office of Emergency Management said. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is adding extra capacity and services.
Map of I-95 collapse
