I-95 North entrance and I-95 South exit ramps near Packer Avenue will be closed into May, disrupting traffic to sports complex

The entrance ramp to I-95 North and the exit ramp from I-95 South on Front Street in South Philadelphia are closed for construction for the next month.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed the ramps on Tuesday to allow crews to widen roadways and make improvements as part of an ongoing $56.1 million I-95 repair project, according to the agency. The ramp is scheduled to remain closed until May 21.

Drivers that need to access I-95 North will be directed to use Oregon Avenue and turn left onto Columbus Boulevard to access the ramp to I-95 North. Drivers can exit I-95 South at either of the two closest exits, Exit 17 at Broad Street or Exit 20 at Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue.

The closure will affect Philadelphia sports fans, especially as the Packer Avenue exit is prized by fans looking to exit I-95 South close to the sports complex, yet far enough away from the Broad Street exit directly next to the stadiums to avoid the brunt of traffic. (In reality, The Inquirer tested traffic times getting out of the stadiums and found that drivers wait regardless.)

However, the Packer Avenue exit closure could increase delays near the sports complex during the Flyers’ and Sixers’ playoff runs and a slew of Phillies games. PennDot is coordinating with the sports complex to reopen ramps when able to one lane of traffic for two hours before and after high-volume events.

PennDot contractors will make repairs to deteriorated bridge decks, superstructure components, and the substructure. In addition to bridge repairs, 11 overhead steel sign structures will be cleaned and repainted. Existing roadway lighting will also be upgraded to LED lighting.