Philadelphia, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Construction is underway on the I-95 cover extension at Penn’s Landing, enhancing connectivity between Center City and the waterfront. Key developments include the installation of steel deck beams anticipated to complete by mid-2026, along with a new South Street Pedestrian Bridge and a new 11.5-acre park. The project, budgeted at $328.9 million, includes holiday construction breaks, with ongoing updates available at dedicated websites.
Philadelphia Construction Project Update: I-95 Expansion and Penn’s Landing Park
In Philadelphia, construction is in full swing this fall on the eastern abutment and support pier for the Interstate 95 cover extension over Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing. This major project is aimed at enhancing connectivity between Center City and the waterfront while creating new civic spaces.
The completion of the pier is crucial for the subsequent installation of steel deck beams that will span both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95. This installation process is expected to unfold in three phases and should wrap up by mid-2026. Following the beam installation, deck work for Christopher Columbus Boulevard is slated to take place from November 2026 through February 2027.
During this construction period, there will be specific non-working holiday breaks scheduled from mid-December through early January. Additionally, the Market Street ramp to southbound I-95 is anticipated to complete renovations by early December, with plans to reopen the ramp by the end of the year.
Another significant component of this project includes the new South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension, which is set to begin assembly in early 2026. This bridge aims to improve access to Penn’s Landing from Center City, providing a safe pathway over Columbus Boulevard. The existing pedestrian bridge will remain functional, albeit with some minor interruptions, during the construction phase.
For those utilizing alternative routes, pedestrians and cyclists can continue to travel between Penn’s Landing and Front Street via Dock and Market streets throughout the construction efforts. Surface-level utility work carried out by PECO and Comcast was completed in spring 2025, with ongoing sewer facility installations at Penn’s Landing and Columbus Boulevard expected to finish by fall 2025. Further infrastructure enhancements by PECO, Comcast, and Verizon are planned for Front Street in fall 2025.
While these developments are taking place, minor lane shifts on I-95 and adjacent ramps will be observed, alongside lane restrictions on Columbus Boulevard and Front Street. The entire endeavor, budgeted at $328.9 million, is financially supported through a combination of federal, local, and private funding sources.
PennDOT’s broader aim is to construct a larger cover extending over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets. This project, known as the I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project, is designed to bolster connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and multi-modal transportation forms.
In addition to transportation improvements, the new Park at Penn’s Landing will create an 11.5-acre civic space that features gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion. Furthermore, Irish and Scottish memorials that were temporarily moved to Spruce Street will return to a permanent space on the new I-95 cover.
For ongoing updates and travel alerts related to the I-95 expansion and Penn’s Landing Park development, residents and visitors can visit www.95revive.com and www.ParkatPennsLanding.com.
FAQ Section
What is the main purpose of the I-95 expansion and Penn’s Landing Park project?
The project aims to improve connectivity between Center City and the waterfront, enhance pedestrian and cyclist access, and create new public spaces.
When will the installation of steel deck beams over I-95 be completed?
The installation of steel deck beams is expected to finish by mid-2026.
What amenities will the new Park at Penn’s Landing include?
The park will feature gardens, play areas, flexible open spaces, and a mass-timber pavilion.
How much is the entire project budgeted?
The overall budget for the project is $328.9 million, funded through federal, local, and private sources.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Budget | $328.9 million |
| Completion Date for Beam Installation | Mid-2026 |
| Deck Installation Schedule | November 2026 – February 2027 |
| Park Size | 11.5 acres |
| New Pedestrian Bridge | Expected assembly start in early 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 95Revive: CAP Construction Update Summer 2025
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
- NBC Philadelphia: Evening Construction on I-95
- Google Search: I-95 expansion Philadelphia
- Metro Philadelphia: I-95 South Closures Center City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Penn’s Landing
- 92.5 XTU: Overnight I-95 Construction Work
- Google News: Penn’s Landing Park construction
- Northeast Times: PennDOT I-95 Reconstruction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
