A major closure on one of Philadelphia's busiest roads is about to take place. Beginning Thursday morning at 10 a.m., the Columbus Boulevard ramp connecting to Interstate 95 will be shut down indefinitely as part of the ongoing capping project over I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut streets.
The detour route, which drivers should be aware of, sends those traveling north on Columbus Boulevard to Summer Street before rejoining I-95. However, navigating the new route might prove challenging, with commuters needing to turn left onto Callowhill Street and then onto Sixth Street before accessing an exit ramp for I-676 East. Those bound for I-676 West must make a similar detour but via Eighth Street.
The closure is part of a massive $329 million construction project that promises to bring new green spaces, including a natural playground, cafe, amphitheater, and the Blue Cross RiverRink, to the area. However, drivers can expect significant delays as traffic is already proving troublesome in the vicinity.
This is not the first time the capping project has caused inconvenience for commuters. In recent weeks, sections of I-95 have been closed overnight between Exits 20 and 22 on weekdays, adding to the frustration experienced by road users in this part of the city.
The project is now expected to be completed in 2029, but with so many detours already underway, it's little comfort for those caught up in the chaos.
The detour route, which drivers should be aware of, sends those traveling north on Columbus Boulevard to Summer Street before rejoining I-95. However, navigating the new route might prove challenging, with commuters needing to turn left onto Callowhill Street and then onto Sixth Street before accessing an exit ramp for I-676 East. Those bound for I-676 West must make a similar detour but via Eighth Street.
The closure is part of a massive $329 million construction project that promises to bring new green spaces, including a natural playground, cafe, amphitheater, and the Blue Cross RiverRink, to the area. However, drivers can expect significant delays as traffic is already proving troublesome in the vicinity.
This is not the first time the capping project has caused inconvenience for commuters. In recent weeks, sections of I-95 have been closed overnight between Exits 20 and 22 on weekdays, adding to the frustration experienced by road users in this part of the city.
The project is now expected to be completed in 2029, but with so many detours already underway, it's little comfort for those caught up in the chaos.
- you know, Sylvester Stallone always ran down those streets, not now though 
. Anyway, it's crazy they're doing this $329 million project, and I get it, new green spaces are awesome, but couldn't they've done something to minimize the disruption? I'm sure all the commuters out there are feeling like Marty McFly stuck in a time loop 
- "Great Scott!" 
I don't get why they gotta shut down the whole road lol. Can't they just do some kinda construction at night or something? This is already gonna be super frustrating for people commuting to work. And what's with all these detours?! It's like navigating a maze 
! They should've thought this through better before doing it. I mean, $329 million is a lot of cash, but so many people are gonna get stuck in traffic... and it's not even done yet? 2029 can't come soon enough for some people 
. And dont even get me started on the new routes - navigating Summer Street and all those other streets is just asking for trouble 
. Im sure its not perfect, but can't we just have a smooth commute like everyone else in the city?
! I mean, who doesn't love a good detour if it means getting to hang out by the river? And let's be real, $329 million is a lot of cash for some serious upgrades 
. It'll all be worth it when they've got that new green space and everyone can enjoy it 
. Been stuck in traffic on I-95 during rush hour and it's literally a nightmare 
"You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one." This construction project is a perfect example of that! 
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i just hope theyre worth it when the new green spaces are done. like i dont even know what to expect from that cafe lol. anyway, can we talk about how this is just another example of how urban planning in philly is straight up whack? 
! Like, can't they just do the construction at night or something? I get that they're trying to bring some new green spaces and stuff, but do we really need to suffer through all this traffic? And now they're closing off another major road? That's just gonna make everything worse. I mean, have they thought about how people who don't live in the city are even gonna navigate this thing? It's like they forgot that there are other humans on the planet 
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Can you imagine having a natural playground right in the middle of the city? That would be so cool for families with kids 
! But seriously, can't we just get it together and finish this project already? 
. Anyway, I get that they want to build some nice green spaces and stuff, but can’t it wait till after rush hour? The detour route is literally giving me anxiety just thinking about it 
. And another thing, why did it have to be Columbus Boulevard tho? It’s like the one spot where all my friends and I are supposed to meet up for brunch 
. Ugh, this closure is gonna suck 
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