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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Major Weekend Closures for I-76 and Schuylkill Avenue
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced significant weekend closures affecting Center City sections of I-76 and Schuylkill Avenue. These closures are part of a larger effort to rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge and several related structures.
Closure Times and Impacted Areas
Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the section of I-76 between the I-676 and 30th Street interchanges, as well as Schuylkill Avenue from Chestnut Street to JFK Boulevard. These restrictions will remain in effect until 5 a.m. Monday.
Detours and Traffic Reroute Plans
During the market street bridge closure, drivers on eastbound I-76 will be directed to exit at Arch Street/30th Street, travel onto Market Street and then 38th Street, proceeding finally to 34th Street for access to an eastbound I-76 ramp. Westbound traffic will follow the South Street exit to 22nd Street, continue west on I-676, and then use an I-76 ramp. Posted signs along Schuylkill Avenue will guide vehicles around the work area, while trucks are assigned separate detour routes within Center City. These traffic reroute measures are designed to accommodate the ongoing construction zone safely and efficiently.
Restrictions for Pedestrians and Cyclists
In addition to vehicular closures, pedestrian and cyclist access will be restricted. The Market Street Bridge, already closed to cars since August, will not be accessible to pedestrians or cyclists from 23rd to 30th streets during the weekend work.
About the Bridge Rehabilitation Project
PennDOT’s ongoing bridge rehabilitation project consists of repairing and refurbishing several Market Street bridges that cross the Schuylkill River, highways, and train lines in Center City. The $148.9 million project began last year and is projected to continue through 2029. This weekend's closures represent a key stage in the overall market street bridge repair timeline.
Guidance for Drivers and Residents
Drivers are urged to plan ahead, pay attention to posted detour signs, and allow extra travel time throughout the weekend road closures. Updates and project details are available from PennDOT for those interested in the bridge rehabilitation project and expected center city detour impacts during the construction period.
Source: phillyvoice.com.
