I-95 at Cottman Avenue opened last Friday, with Tacony-based Engine 38 – first to respond to the June 11 fire caused by an accident involving a gas-filled commercial tanker truck – having the honor of being the first vehicle to travel the new roadway.
Right behind Engine 38 was Ladder 20, carrying the Phillie Phanatic, Gritty, Swoop, 76ers mascot Franklin and the Union’s Phang.
Gov. Josh Shapiro held a news conference preceding the road opening. He noted the passing of truck driver Nathan Moody and said his family is in the state’s prayers.
Shapiro was joined by Mayor Jim Kenney; PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll; Mitch Landrieu, a senior adviser to President Joe Biden; Shailen Bhatt, administrator for the Federal Highway Administration; Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police; Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw; City Councilman Mike Driscoll; state Reps. Ed Neilson and Pat Gallagher; state Sen. Jim Dillon; state House Speaker Joanna McClinton; and leaders and members of the building trades.
The governor thanked Buckley & Company Inc., PennDOT and building trades workers for being on the job 24/7, in 12-hour shifts, in the heat and rain and on Father’s Day. He said the work was done safely, the right way and ahead of schedule.
Carroll, the PennDOT secretary, said the lanes are 11 feet wide, a little smaller than a typical lane.
“Please take your time going through this zone,” he said.
Demolition was completed in four days. Crews filled the gap with ultra-lightweight foamed glass aggregate to build up to surface level.
The interim surface contains parts that weigh 400,000 pounds, and officials said the road has been rigorously tested and will be safe and sound.
Crews began paving and striping three new lanes in both directions last Wednesday night, all the while as people watched on a livestream.
The federal government will pay $25 million to $30 million for the reconstruction.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the scene soon after the collapse. President Biden did a flyover while in town for a campaign stop.
The six lanes that are open are in the middle of the highway. Crews will continue working to repair the outer lanes.
While the road has reopened, authorities say it could be a year before the northbound exit at Cottman reopens.
Meanwhile, there was a meeting on Thursday night at Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 39 that included representatives from the city Department of Commerce and the federal Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
The SBA is offering low-interest, long-term loans for businesses affected by the road closure. There will be no duplication with insurance companies. Call 800-659-2955 or visit SBA.gov/disaster.
The city has a Merchants Fund that offers grants to eligible businesses. Call 215-399-1339 or email grants@merchantsfund.org. ••
