Construction on I-95 North in Philadelphia start for CAP project work

A stretch of Interstate 95 northbound in Philadelphia will be closed overnight as crews work to install 18 beams for the massive $329 million CAP project, which will ultimately connect Center City to the Delaware River waterfront.

The closure will go into effect Sunday night and will impact drivers traveling northbound between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays, through May 14.

During those hours, motorists will be detoured off I-95 at Washington Avenue. Drivers will then turn left onto Columbus Boulevard, continue for about a mile and a half and re-enter the interstate at Summer Street.

The overnight shutdowns are needed so PennDOT crews can install 18 beams as part of a $329 million project connecting Center City to the Delaware River waterfront between Chestnut and Walnut streets.

Neighbors in the area say they are bracing for increased congestion during the construction period.

“There’s gonna be a lot of road rage. It’s gonna be a lot of horns. A lot more… it’s gonna sound like New York City for a little bit,” said Jeffery Dorestent, who lives nearby.

Dorestent said the overnight timing may help limit the disruption, but drivers should still expect delays.

“Because it’s overnight, it won’t be too bad. But it’s still going to be hectic,” he said.

In Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, Amanda Gonzalez said traffic is already a concern.

“First off, it’s a lot going on in the city and I feel like that’s gonna make a lot of people really mad. It’s a lot of traffic already,” Gonzalez said.

Despite the inconvenience, some residents say the long-term benefits of the project are worth it.

“It’s great. This needs to be done. The connection that they’re doing is going to be great. Everything’s for the better,” Dorestent said. “So, you have to look at it like the city’s improving and you want that.”

Construction on the project began in early 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2030. Plans include an 11.5-acre civic park and other amenities designed to create a year-round destination with easier access between Center City and the waterfront.

“Temporary pain for greater pleasure later on,” Dorestent said.

In addition to the main detour, drivers using the ramp from I-95 northbound to I-676 west will also face closures and detours during the construction period.

For more information on the CAP project, click here.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.