Philadelphia's Chestnut Street Bridge Set for Demolition in I-95 Project

Photo byTom Gralish

Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street bridge over I-95 is scheduled for closure starting January 15, marking the commencement of demolition as part of a larger initiative to construct a cap over the interstate. This transformative project aims to pave the way for an expansive 12-acre park at Penn’s Landing, envisioning a vibrant public space for the city.

Following the bridge closure, pedestrians seeking access to Penn’s Landing and the waterfront can utilize the Market Street bridge from Second Street. Vehicles travelling on Chestnut Street will be redirected south on Front Street to accommodate the closure.

The closure will impact various SEPTA bus routes, including 5, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, and 44. SEPTA will provide detailed information regarding detours on their website to assist commuters during this period.

This demolition marks the latest step in the park project's progression. Previously, the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge over I-95 and Columbus Boulevard was closed in September, followed by demolition work on both the bridge and the Rotunda commencing in November.

In preparation for construction, the Irish and Scottish memorials were temporarily relocated to Foglietta Plaza on Spruce Street near Front Street. These memorials will eventually find a new home within the park at Penn’s Landing.

The envisioned park holds significance for reconnecting neighbourhoods previously separated from the Delaware River during the construction of I-95 in the 1960s and ‘70s. Encompassing gardens, a café, a sizable timber pavilion, and an amphitheatre, the park is set to span Chestnut and Walnut Streets, stretching from Front Street to the waterfront.

The park project, which officially broke ground in September, anticipates completion within a timeframe of four to six years, as stated by then-Mayor Jim Kenney. PennDot Secretary Mike Carroll estimates the project’s design and construction to cost around $360 million.

Mayor Kenney emphasized the historical impact of I-95’s original construction on the city, highlighting the displacement of families, the demolition of properties, and the division between neighbourhoods and the waterfront.

Upon its public opening, the park is projected to stimulate approximately $1.6 billion in economic activity within the initial 25 years, underscoring its potential as a transformative and economically beneficial addition to the cityscape.