July 4th travel in Philadelphia: Road closures, SEPTA changes, and traffic
The Fourth of July is a major celebration in Philly, and in order to celebrate properly, it's important to note changes in transit and streets on the holiday.
Attendees gather on the Ben Franklin Parkway during the Wawa Welcomes America Fourth of July Festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway in 2015.Read moreMichael Pronzato
Philadelphia is setting up for a busy holiday weekend, with Fourth of July celebrations across the city, including the Wawa Welcome America concert and fireworks.
Whether you’re staying in Philly or heading out of town for Independence Day, be ready for traffic, SEPTA changes and road closures.
Get out of town
This holiday season, AAA predicts that 84 percent of people in the region who are traveling for the holiday will do so by car, said Jana Tidwell, manager of public affairs.
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This means the roads in and out of Philly will likely be more congested than normal and travelers should leave early on the Fourth.
It’s already been a busy summer-trip season, with record Memorial Day travel volume and Independence Day travel also expected to set records, Tidwell said.
“It’s a sign of the economy. When the economy is strong and people have extra disposable income, they’re more willing to spend it on travel,” she said.
Gas prices may also motivate people to travel by car, Tidwell said.
Although fuel prices rose slightly after the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery announced plans to shut down following a massive fire, travelers should still end up paying less for a gallon in the area than they did a year ago. Prices in Pennsylvania on Wednesday averaged $2.92 per gallon, while last year on the holiday they were at $3.02.
The Independence Day celebrations continued with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to a custom patriotic soundtrack created and performed by the United States Army Field Band. This is the first time in Welcome America history that the United States Army Field Band will perform live on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the fireworks light up the sky on July 4, 2019.Read moreCHARLES FOX / CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
The United States Army Field Band performs live on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the rockets red glare explode overhead during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities on the Parkway July 4, 2019.Read moreElizabeth Robertson
Fans use their cellphone light as Megan Trainor performs during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities in Phila., Pa. on July 4, 2019.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
A performance by two-time Grammy Award-winning artist and Academy Award-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson, alongside the Philly POPS BIG Band on July 4, 2019.Read moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
Fans sing along as Jennifer Hudson performs during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities in Phila., Pa. on July 4, 2019.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
Isaac Dunbar (left) and Steven Grutman walking down the Parkway dressed in American flags, during the Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Isaac Dunbar, 22, of Delawre County, Pa., brought his friend, Steven Grutman, 22, of Baltimore, Md., to Philadelphia, Pa., to attend his first Wawa Welcome America July 4th event filled with festvities and concerts on Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
The Harris family walking down the Parkway with their ponchos as it starts to rain during the Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Nicholas Busillo, 5, playing in the sprinkler during the Party on the Parkway, taking place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Sophia Houn, 11, left, and her sister Sovana Houn, 7, are from Cambodia and are getting their citizaenship at the Betsy Ross House on Thursday, July 4, 2019. The two are excited about today and have their families in the crowd supporting them.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
The 13 children raise their hands and restate oath of allegiance, to become American citizens, lead by Michael A. Catalano, Section Chief, for the sixteenth annual Dar-Sar-Car Fouth of July Children's Citizenship and "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Thirteen kids from all over the country including Burma, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Malaysia, Morocco, and Pakistan gain their citizenship.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
Desendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence circle around the Liberty Bell for the annual patriotic celebration of tapping the bell 13 times commemorating the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies the Liberty Bell Center in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Participants in the WAWA Welcome America Salute to America Independence Day Parade dance down Market Street during the Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Five-year-old Harper Biedenbender waves a flag during the Salute to America Independence Day Parade part of the WAWA Welcome America Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
A Flag is carried past Independence Hall during the Salute to America Independence Day Parade part of the WAWA Welcome America Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Members of the The Mattatuck Drum Band participate in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, on the 4th of July, 2019.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Police arrest protestors who interrupted the Independence Day Parade with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019 in Philadelphia. The Never Again Action organized the protest with participation from members of Huntos, Abolish ice, and Cosecha.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Police arrest protestors who interrupted the Independence Day with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019 in Philadelphia. The Never Again Action organized the protest with participation from members of Huntos, Abolish ice, and Cosecha.
Protestors interrupt the the Independence Day Parade demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border on the 4th of July 2019. They originally gathered outside the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Protestors interrupt the Independence Day Parade with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019. They marched from the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Philadelphia and marched to the parade, where they sat down, stopping the progress of the parade, before being arrested.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
In front of the George Washington statue at Independence Hall and the 65-piece Philly Pops orchestra, and hundreds in the audience, Matthew Modzelewski gets down on one knee to propose to Briana Maiden during Wednesday's concert. Their first date was at a Pops concert three years ago. Modzelewski got his now-fiancee on stage under the guise of their winning a raffle for free tickets. Todd Ellison, Pops music director designate, was in on the surprise.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
The audience is reflected in the glass of the Liberty Bell Pavilion (with the bell inside) during the Philly Pops orchestra's traditional Welcome America Fourth of July Eve concert on Independence Mall July 3, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Rain storms that hit other areas in the region bypassed guests on the rooftop at Cira Green overlooking the Center City skyline July 3, 2019 during the Welcome America Girls.Like.nicethings Pop-Up Art Exhibit. The evening pop-up featured the work of Philadelphia women visual artists, an artist chat, and a musical jam session.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Patti LaBelle makes her way through the crowd in the lobby of the Kimmel Center headed to a reception July 2, 2019, following ceremonies honoring her with the renaming of the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets Patti LaBelle Way.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Patti LaBelle holds up a sign after signing it during a celebration July 2, 2019 as the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets is renamed Patti LaBelle Way. Patty Jackson (left) of WDAS-FM served as the host for the ceremonies.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
The newly installed sign for Patti LaBelle Way is visible behind them across Broad Street as Little Big Sister Band performs during ceremonies as Patti LaBelle is celebrated with the renaming of the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets July 2, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Uncle Sam, portrayed by Andrew Scharff with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts strides through the lobby during the Kimmel Center's "Great America Party on the Plaza," a part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration July 2, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Barbara Guess, 75, of Overbrook, cheers while she waits in line for a free hoagie at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on the lawn of the National Mall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition as part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force compete in a hoagie making competition at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on the lawn of the National Mall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
The lawn of the national mall is full of people in line for free hoagies at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
One of Wawa's mascots, called shorti, dances as Wawa employees organize hoagies for Wawa's annual hoagie day, at the National Constitution Center, in Philadelphia, July 2, 2019. The convenience chain will build and give away 32,000 hoagies, 8,000 Shorti Hoagies are going to Philabundance, 2,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed to local veterans' centers, and 22,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed free to the public at noon on the Independence Visitor Center Lawn.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
(Left to Right) Rob Mitchell, Sherly D'Alfonso, Seth Williams, and Melissa Williams, make hoagies for Wawa's annual hoagie day, during which the convenience chain will build and give away 32,000 hoagies, the hoagie building is taking place at the National Constitution Center, in Philadelphia, July 2, 2019. 8,000 Shorti Hoagies are going to Philabundance, 2,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed to local veterans' centers, and 22,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed free to the public at noon on the Independence Visitor Center Lawn.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Lori Ney from Wynnewood with her dog Ava during the playing of the National Anthem being preformed by the U.S. Army Field Band during a concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
U.S. Army Field Band concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Getting ready for the U.S. Army Field Band concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
The Welcome America Liturgical Dancers open the Gospel on Independence evening on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Sisterly Love, three families joined in song, perform during the Gospel on Independence free concert on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Cheryl Gunter of Upper Darby listens to performances during the Gospel on Independence free concert on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Wojtek Piotrowski (from left) and Kasia and Adam Felinski, tourists from Warsaw, Poland in the U.S. for ten days and in Philadelphia for two, catch the performances of a 100-voice choir made up of singers from churches throughout the region. during the Gospel on Independence evening on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Cups, straws and wrappers from free Wawa frozen smoothies and free Tastykake Krimpets are disposed-of during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Jaylene Frame of Lindenwold, N.J. laughs while doing the "Electric Slide" with friends during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Spectators watch as street performers with @ProjectPositive, @PhillySurfers, and @whamlife appear during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019. They were sponsored by Sweethomecare.com.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Seated on the monument to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (December 15, 1791) Robert Coaxum of Germantown takes video with his smart phone during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019,Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Alvin Fisher, 14, from Lancaster, PA., juggles balls of melting ice cream during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Fisher Family owns a store in the Reading Terminal Market called " Sweet as Fudge Candy Shop"Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Sweet Charlie's making rolled ice cream during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Nicole Ramirez, 15, with no hands dives head first into a bowl of vanilla ice cream while playing Bassetts Ice Cream Eating Contest during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
People cheering each other on playing Dre's Water Ice Shuffle Board Game outside of Reading Terminal Market on Filbert Street. during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
SEPTA
For those using public transportation to get around on the Fourth, there are some SEPTA changes to know about.
Regional Rail trains, buses, trolleys, the Market-Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line, and the Norristown High Speed Line will operate on Sunday schedules for the holiday.
Extra subway and trolley trips will be added to aid the influx of riders leaving Center City after the fireworks and concert. Some Regional Rail trains will also be added or depart later for the post-event rush.
Buses that travel on or near the Parkway — Routes 7, 9, 17, 21, 32, 33, 38, 42, 43, 44, and 48 — will be detoured from 5 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday.
