PennDOT will shut down a key stretch of the Schuylkill Expressway overnight for months, forcing drivers to navigate lane reductions and detours.
Project Overview
The construction takes place on I‑76 West, also known as the Schuylkill Expressway, between the 30th Street and I‑676 interchanges. The work is part of a larger $148 million Market Street Bridge construction project that will partially demolish and replace the bridge. PennDOT says the project will last from Dec. 7, 2025 until June 1, 2026.
Overnight Closure Schedule
Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, the roadway will be closed. The lane configuration will be reduced to a single lane from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the same days. Overnight closures will not occur on Friday or Saturday.
Exceptions to the Schedule
- No overnight closures between Dec. 21, 2025 and Jan. 3, 2026.
- No overnight closures on Friday and Saturday.
Impact on Traffic
Drivers traveling the affected section should expect:
- Reduced capacity during the evening and overnight hours.
- A single‑lane flow from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday.
- Detours that may increase travel time.
The closures are designed to allow construction crews to work safely while minimizing disruption during peak traffic periods.
Construction Pause for Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary
PennDOT will pause construction from June 1 to Aug. 7, 2026. The pause keeps the roadway open for Philadelphia’s 250th‑anniversary celebrations. During this time, the bridge work will be temporarily halted.
Future Detours and Roadway Impacts
After the pause, additional partial detours and roadway impacts are scheduled to occur from Aug. 2026 to Oct. 2027. These measures will maintain safe traffic flow while the bridge replacement continues.
Cost and Scope
The Market Street Bridge project carries a budget of $148 million. It involves both partial demolition of the existing bridge and the construction of a new structure. The bridge replacement is expected to improve safety and capacity for the area.
Timeline Summary
- Dec. 7, 2025 – June 1, 2026: Main construction period.
- Sunday–Thursday, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.: Overnight roadway closure.
- Sunday–Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.: One‑lane reduction.
- Dec. 21, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026: Overnight closures suspended.
- June 1 – Aug. 7, 2026: Construction pause for anniversary.
- Aug. 2026 – Oct. 2027: Additional detours and impacts.
Key Takeaways
- I‑76 West will be closed overnight from Dec. 7, 2025 to June 1, 2026 for Market Street Bridge work.
- Lane reductions to one lane will occur from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
- Construction will pause for Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary from June 1 to Aug. 7, 2026.
The project’s goal is to replace the Market Street Bridge while keeping the Schuylkill Expressway functional during the most critical traffic periods. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and stay informed about real‑time traffic updates from PennDOT.
