PHILADELPHIA – A collapse in parts of I-95, due to a truck fire early this morning, has closed the highway in both directions near the Cottman Avenue exit.
And, drivers in the area, and likely across the city, will encounter higher-than-normal traffic volume due to road closures as officials respond to the collapse.
But, there are ways to speed up travel on Sunday.
septa
If you can travel by public transportation, SEPTA is the best bet on Sunday. The Market-Frankford line and the Trenton Regional Rail line run alongside Interstate 95.
SEPTA has said it may add an additional service Monday to help commuters avoid I-95. More information will be available at septa.orgon the account of SEPTA Twitter or on the SEPTA app.
But depending on where you intend to go, or if you need your car for work or other plans, public transportation may not be an option.
THE DELAWARE RIVER BRIDGE
For those who need to travel to the city from anywhere near Bensalem, Bucks County, or Trenton, New Jersey, it is possible to avoid some traffic by crossing the Delaware River on a bridge, perhaps via the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, and hopping over route 130 or tearing down 295 towards Cherry Hill. Then hopping over the Ben Franklin Bridge back to the center of town.
I-276
Most drivers will probably choose to travel on I-276 on the other side of Schuylkill, to avoid the collapse of I-95. That adds a lot of distance, though, and drivers are reporting that, as of 11 a.m., traffic along I-76 is already moving slowly.
ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD
This great thoroughfare cuts through the heart of Northeast Philadelphia, making it another option for those traveling to or from Northeast Philadelphia.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
Drivers can also get off I-95 and travel through the neighborhoods near the river, as there are many streets that run parallel to the highway.
Aramingo, Torresdale and Frankfort avenues run parallel to I-95, but as of 11:30 a.m. this Sunday these roads were already a favorite for drivers seeking to escape the gridlock caused by the collapse of I-95. .
