I-95 is Reopening with a Temporary Bridge Two Weeks After Collapsing

June 23, 2023
Wet weather on the East Coast threatened to derail the paving process

Crews have worked tirelessly around the clock to fix the mess that is Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. Now, the section of I-95 that collapsed on June 11 is set to open today, June 23 at noon, less than two weeks after the collapse.

Workers were putting some last minute touches on the interim six-lane roadway that will serve motorists as crews work on the construction of the permanent bridge. Roughly 2,000 tons of lightweight glass nuggets were used to fill the underpass and bring it up to surface level. It was paved over to create three lanes of travel in each direction.

The contractors on the job are Buckley & Company, Inc.

Unfortunately, the wet weather on the East Coast threatened to derail the paving process. In order to complete the paving and striping process, workers need 12 hours of dry weather, Governor Josh Shapiro said on Twitter, but there is rain expected in the area for the next several days.

Luckily, a NASCAR jet dryer came to the rescue. These vehicles use compressed air to push water off of racetracks.

The jet dryer in particular came from the Pocono Raceway.

For more info on the I-95 collapse, you can click here.

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Source: KTVB, CBS News