AFC Construction Update: Fall 2026
Construction Update
Northbound I-95 Construction Ramping Up This Fall
November 2, 2026
– Following the implementation of a new work zone traffic pattern in early October that moved northbound traffic to the center of the interstate, construction activities have begun in full force on northbound Interstate 95 at the northern end of the Allegheny/Castor Avenue Interchange in Northeast Philadelphia.
Construction Activities This Fall
These activities will focus on the removal of 1.3 miles of the existing three lanes of northbound concrete pavement between Tioga Street and Wheatsheaf Lane, followed by the demolition and subsequent construction of the northbound side of bridges over Venango Street, Castor Avenue, and Wheatsheaf Lane.
- Bridge Construction: Construction of new abutments/wingwalls at the bridges will involve pile driving during the day. Drilled micropiles will be used in areas close to residents to minimize noise and vibration.
- Surface Street Closures: Periodic surface street closures and lane shifts may be in place during demolition activities.
Changes to Ramp Access
The northbound ramp from I-95 North to the Betsy Ross Bridge, which previously vaulted over Castor Avenue, has been removed and relocated to access the Castor Avenue on-ramp, providing northbound I-95 drivers with access to the Bridge.
Future On-Ramp Closures
The existing on-ramp at Castor Avenue will remain open except for two or three weekends when it will be closed and detoured during a later stage of construction. New northbound on and off-ramps will be built at Castor Avenue during a subsequent phase of the Section AF3 project, including a ramp to the Bridge.
Stormwater Drainage and Utilities
Construction crews will begin installing the project’s stormwater drainage system, and numerous utilities will be installed or relocated along the northbound side of I-95 and nearby surface streets.
Noise Walls
Noise walls will be constructed along both sides of I-95 in the AF3 project area during later stages of construction.
Traffic Pattern
The AF3 work zone traffic pattern will provide three through lanes for northbound vehicles during peak travel times. The southbound side of the work zone remains open to four lanes for peak hour traffic.
Coordination with Adjacent Projects
Section AF3 construction is being coordinated with northbound reconstruction and widening currently underway on Sections BR2 and BS2 at the adjacent Betsy Ross Bridge and Bridge Street interchanges.
Project Completion
Section AF3 will widen I-95 to four lanes. The southbound side of I-95 between Wheatsheaf Lane and Tioga Street under the AF3 project will be reconstructed and widened following the completion of work on the northbound side in 2028.
The entire Section AF3 contract is scheduled to be completed in late 2031. It is the third of four contracts to reconstruct and improve I-95 at the Allegheny/Castor Interchange as part of Section AFC.
Previous Sections
- AF1 completed in 2020
- AF2 completed in 2023