Governor Josh Shapiro Responds to I-95 Highway Collapse, Declares Disaster

Northeast Philadelphia, PA – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has taken swift action in response to the collapse of a portion of I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit on the morning of June 11, 2023, Your Content is first to report. The incident, caused by a vehicle fire involving a tanker truck, prompted immediate closure of the highway in both directions.

In a statement, Governor Shapiro assured the public that his administration is in regular contact with federal partners who have pledged their full support and assistance. The cooperation between state and federal agencies will be crucial in creating alternative routes and efficiently rebuilding the damaged section of I-95.

“To expedite the rebuilding of I-95 and cut through the red tape, I issued a disaster declaration allowing the Commonwealth to immediately draw down federal funds and move quickly to begin the repair and reconstruction process.” Shapiro tweeted.

“My Administration is in regular contact with our federal partners, who have pledged their complete support and assistance as we create alternative routes and rebuild I-95.

“We are all hands on deck to repair I-95 as safely and as efficiently as possible.”

This declaration enables the Commonwealth to access federal funds promptly, allowing for a rapid commencement of the repair and reconstruction efforts. The governor aims to cut through bureaucratic red tape and facilitate a swift recovery.

“We are all hands on deck to repair I-95 as safely and as efficiently as possible,” Governor Shapiro emphasized. The governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of Pennsylvania residents and travelers is unwavering.

The Philadelphia Fire Department successfully brought the vehicle fire under control by 7:30 a.m. on June 11, 2023. Multiple city and state agencies have been mobilized to address the impacts on residents in the area and travelers affected by the closure. Authorities are working diligently to minimize disruptions and provide necessary support during this challenging time.

Further updates regarding the progress of the repair and reconstruction efforts will be shared as they become available. Governor Shapiro’s decisive action and close collaboration with federal partners demonstrate a commitment to efficiently restore I-95 and alleviate the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident.

Pennsylvania residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow any instructions from local authorities regarding alternate routes and traffic updates.

Guidance for residents and visitors

• Officials provided an update at 5 p.m. about the response to this incident. Watch the update here.
• SEPTA is adding extra capacity and service. Residents are encouraged to use SEPTA as an alternative means of travel.
• All lanes of I-95 are closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits.
  • Some streets in the surrounding area are closed for the emergency response.
  • Closures may change as the response continues. Travelers are encouraged to follow local news and PennDOT’s Twitter account or website (pa.gov/i95updates).
• Due to the current closure of I-95, complimentary parking is available at some PPA-operated SEPTAtrain station lots until further notice:
  • Fern Rock Rail Station – 10th & Nedro Streets 
  • Fox Chase Rail Station – 500 Rhawn Street 
  • Torresdale Rail Station – 4900 Grant Avenue
• Travelers should expect delays and plan alternative travel routes, especially while planning for their weekday commute.
• Residents should continue to set their trash and recycling collections out as normal on their regular trash day and at their regular pickup site. Residents in the northeast area of the city should expect delays in collections.The Streets Department is assessing which areas will be impacted as sanitation trucks will have to be diverted to alternative travel routes.  Follow the Streets Department on Twitter for updates.

Detour routes from Penndot

• I-95 Southbound: Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, 76 East, 676 East
• I-95 Northbound: I-676 West, I-76 West, U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road)
• Visit pa.gov/i95updates for the latest updates on detours and closures

Philadelphia Police detour and closure information along I-95

Philadelphia Police will have the following closures and detours in place if you are traveling on I-95 in the area of the Cottman Avenue exit. Police will be located along the detour route.

Local businesses and deliveries will be provided access. If business owners have any questions or issues, they can contact the Office of Business Services at 215-683-2100 or [email protected]. 

Expect delays along the detour and note these are subject to change.

• Castor Avenue on-ramp for I-95 northbound
  • Closed
• Aramingo Avenue/I-95 on and off-ramps
  • On-ramp to I-95 northbound closed
  • Betsy Ross off-ramp to I-95 northbound closed
• Bridge Street ramp
  • I-95 on-ramp at Bridge Street closed.
  • All traffic on Tacony Street will flow northbound only from Bridge Street to New State Road.
• Tacony Street and Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
  • Tacony Palmyra Bridge traffic onto Tacony Street closed. All traffic continues westbound onto Levick Street.
• Cottman Avenue exit and State Road closures
  • State Road from Cottman Avenue to Longshore Avenue will be one-way, southbound travel only.
• Southbound I-95 detour
  • Exit I-95 southbound at Cottman Avenue.
  • At the end of the ramp, right on Bleigh Street.
  • Follow Bleigh to State Road, make a left onto State.
  • Travel State Road South to Longshore Avenue.
  • Re-enter I-95 southbound at State Road and Longshore Avenue.
• Northbound I-95 detour
  • Exit I-95 at Aramingo Avenue.
  • At the end of the ramp, make a left onto Aramingo Avenue.
  • Follow Aramingo Avenue to Tacony Street. Turn right.
  • Take Tacony Street northbound around Tacony-Palmyra Bridge loop to New State Road. Continue northbound.
  • Travel New State Road to Milnor Street and re-enter I-95 northbound.

Stay informed

Residents should keep up to date on the situation. Here are places you can learn more about what’s going on:

• Follow the Office of Emergency Managementand the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on Twitter.
• Sign up for emergency alerts by texting ReadyPhila to 888-777.
• Visit pa.gov/i95updates for the latest updates on detours and closures.