News Summary
Northeast Philadelphia’s I-95/BS2 project is underway, enhancing the Bridge Street Interchange with deck construction and new drainage systems. The initiative includes reinforcing steel placement, ramp construction, and significant utility work to improve traffic flow and connectivity. With a focus on safety and efficiency, the project aims for completion in 2028, providing long-term benefits for local communities.
Northeast Philadelphia is witnessing significant construction activity as work progresses on the $268 million I-95/BS2 project aimed at enhancing the Bridge Street Interchange. The project is currently focused on deck construction for the new southbound viaduct at this crucial junction, which is designed to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.
As part of the initiative, crews are actively placing reinforcing steel (rebar) and preparing for paving work at the northern end of the new viaduct. This infrastructure will serve as a critical connection point, passing over Bridge, Tacony, and several other surface streets before linking up with newly constructed at-grade roadways. To date, two of the four new retaining walls have been erected, with work ongoing on the other two along the southbound side of the interchange. These walls are essential for supporting the embankments that will accommodate a continuous fourth lane and a new off-ramp at James Street.
In addition to ramp construction, a new stormwater drainage system is being installed to enhance roadway drainage ahead of the slated southbound pavement and off-ramp build. The upcoming off-ramp will provide a significant upgrade, replacing the previously closed southbound ramp to James Street and directing traffic to a new signalized interchange on Tacony Street.
Currently, traffic exiting southbound I-95 at Bridge Street is being diverted to Aramingo Avenue due to these construction efforts. Moreover, significant utility work is underway, including the installation of a new water main beneath Tacony Street. Ongoing sewer line construction and other utility modifications are being managed by subcontractors such as PECO.
Further construction activities include the creation of a new on-ramp to I-95 northbound at Tacony Street, which will facilitate smoother vehicle access onto the interstate. This will be complemented by the Delaware Avenue Extension, a new roadway projected to connect with the northbound ramp, with initial construction anticipated to commence this summer.
The I-95/BS2 project is classified as Section BS2, the second of five contracts aimed at reconstructing and enhancing I-95. While Section BS1, which focused on expanding I-95 from Levick Street to Carver Street, was completed in early 2023, the current section is scheduled for completion in 2028. Motorists should note that while three travel lanes in each direction on I-95 will remain open during peak traffic periods, there will be occasional lane closures during off-peak hours to facilitate construction activities.
The general contractor for Section BS2 is James J. Anderson Construction, based in Philadelphia, which is leading the charge in this significant infrastructure project. The overall goal of the I-95/BS2 initiative is to improve the safety and efficiency of one of the region’s busiest highways, ultimately providing long-term benefits to the flow of traffic and connectivity for local communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Lane Closures on I-16 for Improvement Projects
Additional Resources
- 95revive: BSR Construction Update Spring 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- MyChesco: Major I-95 Reconstruction Project Set to Begin
- Google Search: I-95 reconstruction in northeast Philadelphia
- NBC Philadelphia: I-95 Collapse Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Construction
- Roads & Bridges: PennDOT Begins Bridge Repairs on I-95
- Google News: I-95 construction Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
