Interstate 95 reopens after deadly collapse in Philadelphia after tanker truck caught fire. The refurbishment was completed faster than expected to restore traffic flow on a busy section of the east coast’s major north-south expressway.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – and many others – worked hard around the clock to complete repairs ahead of schedule.
He said workers are putting the finishing touches on a six-lane temporary road that will serve motorists while the permanent bridge is built.
“You worked in the rain. You worked all night. They delivered,” Shapiro said at a news conference, thanking members of Philadelphia Building Trades.
“Our unions here in Pennsylvania rebuilt that road,” the governor added.
Shapiro said Pocono Raceway has also increased its efforts to keep a section of I-95 dry after the paving and striping process is complete by introducing the jet dryer they use on the track. He also thanked several other businesses and authorities, including local businesses and the police and fire departments.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials continued to urge motorists to exercise caution in the area but reassured the public that the road is safe.
Derek Bowmer of the Philadelphia Fire Department previously said rescue teams arrived at the scene just before 6:30 a.m. on June 11.
An elevated section of I-95 collapsed early June 11 after a tractor trailer carrying gasoline on an exit rampoverturned and caught fire. State transportation officials said the driver who died lost control of the vehicle while cornering.There were no other deaths or injuries.
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management reported that due to the fire and road collapse, all lanes of I-95 between the Woodhaven and Aramingo exits were closed in both directions. Bowmer said the northbound lanes had disappeared and the southbound lanes had been “impaired” due to the heat of the fire. He also said drains from the fire or possibly damaged gas lines caused underground explosions.
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