(Philadelphia) Interstate 95 was set to reopen to traffic noon Friday, less than two weeks after a deadly collapse in Philadelphia shut down a busy section of the main north-south highway on the US East Coast. United.
Workers were putting the finishing touches to a six-lane temporary road that will serve motorists during the construction of a permanent bridge. Crews worked around the clock and were on track to finish the job ahead of schedule. The freeway’s reopening was scheduled for noon, according to the governor’s office.
A portion of the elevated section of Highway 95 collapsed early June 11 after a tractor-trailer truck carrying gasoline overturned on an exit ramp and caught fire. State transportation officials said the driver, who was killed, lost control of his vehicle on a turn. There were no other deaths or injuries.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA VIA REUTERS ARCHIVES
The closure of a major commercial thoroughfare slowed traffic in and around Philadelphia and threatened to drive up the cost of consumer goods as truckers were forced to take detours in the area. Federal and state authorities had pledged to act quickly to minimize economic impact and inconvenience.
In order to get Highway 95 back into service as quickly as possible, workers used approximately 2,000 tons of lightweight glass nuggets to fill the underpass and raise it to surface level, then pave it over to create three lanes. traffic in each direction. A permanent bridge will eventually be built.
With rain threatening to delay reopening, a truck-mounted jet dryer, normally used to keep moisture out of the track at Pocono Raceway, was used to keep fresh asphalt dry enough for lines to be painted. .
The construction work, which lasted 24 hours, was broadcast live, attracting thousands of viewers online.