A portion of Interstate 95 near Philadelphia, which collapsed on June 11, reopened to traffic on Friday. The restoration came less than two weeks after the busy north-south artery was diverted around the site.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll formally reopened the temporary six-lane highway to the public at 12:00 p.m. ET. Pennsylvania government press release Said. Drivers were urged to drive safely as the road speed limit was 45 mph and permanent road construction was underway, according to the announcement.
The round-the-clock work on this road was the result of a coordinated state, local, and federal response led by Governor Shapiro and state legislators. In a statement, Carroll said: “This is what we can do if all levels of government work together and get the job done. If we are united and determined, we can do great things in this city and in this Commonwealth. That’s the proof,” Governor Shapiro said in a statement. (Related: ‘Severe disrepair’: Rebuilding collapsed section of interstate will take ‘months’)
The reopening quelled fears that the highway would be closed for weeks and eased the reportedly terrible traffic conditions since the closure. Reported by the Associated Press (AP) Said. According to the report, the newly rebuilt road was first used by a procession of fire trucks (cars carrying Philadelphia’s professional sports mascot) and police vehicles, both crossing the northbound lane.
The construction of the temporary road used high-tech, lightweight and durable rock made from 100 percent recycled crushed glass made by Eddystone’s Aero Aggregates, according to the report. Fox 29 News. According to a Fox 29 News report, drivers expressed relief at the reopening and the eased flow of traffic.
An elevated section of Interstate 95 collapsed when a gasoline-filled tractor-trailer overturned on an exit ramp and caught fire after the driver lost control, the Associated Press reported. The driver, Nathan Moody, was the only casualty.
The Philadelphia Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Union jointly donated $50,000 to build trust for Moody’s daughter, according to a government press release.
