Early Sunday morning a vehicle fire at the Cottman Avenue off-ramp under the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 caused a span of the raised roadway to collapse. The major artery through Philadelphia will be closed for the foreseeable future.
City, state and federal agencies will mobilize to repair the damage.
“First off, we want to send appreciation to all of the first responders on the scene of this crisis,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, delegation chairwoman. “Our delegation will remain in contact with the attending agencies and be of assistance where possible. We encourage all Philadelphians and commuters to stay informed of the changing dynamics around I-95 and surrounding streets in the Northeast.”
The southbound lane remained intact but will have to be inspected for damage and possibly replaced as well.
“I’m on site with city, state and federal officials,” said Rep. Ed Neilson, chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “We’re assessing the situation and working with PEMA and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. We will provide critical updates as soon as we have more details, but for now please stay away from the area.”
Rep. Pat Gallagher represents the immediate area around the highway. The timing of the emergency — early on a Sunday morning — and the efforts of area first responders prevented the collapse from being far worse.
“I am relieved that it appears no one was injured in the collapse of northbound I-95, but there are still many questions about the accident and removing the rubble,” Gallagher said. “We know it’s a long road ahead to likely rebuild both sides of this bridge, so I ask our residents and neighbors to be patient as we navigate alternate commuting routes and altered daily life around this emergency. A special thank you to the brave men and women of our Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments, OEM and the other agencies who have been involved in immediate response and recovery.”
In the meantime, commuters and travelers are encouraged to find alternate routes around this section of I-95 for the foreseeable future.
