BRI Construction Update: Fall 2026
I-95 Northbound Reconstruction Expands at Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange
October 8, 2026
– Northbound construction at the Interstate 95 Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange (Section BR3) this fall involves:
- Excavating the base for four new travel lanes.
- Rebuilding bridges, including the removal of the old northbound pavement from three through lanes and two auxiliary lanes.
- Installing and moving utilities, such as water, sewer, electric, gas, and fiber optic lines.
- Building retaining walls to support the addition of a fourth lane.
Demolition has begun on the northbound bridges over Frankford Creek and Orthodox/Pearce Streets, with Pearce Street being realigned to connect to Orthodox Street on the east side of I-95. Foundation and abutment construction for these structures will continue throughout the year.
The work is part of PennDOT’s $355.3 million Section BR3 project to reconstruct, widen, and improve northbound I-95 between Wheatsheaf Lane and Margaret Street in Northeast Philadelphia.
Coordination is being done with the immediate north Section BS2 reconstruction and the immediate south Section AF3 reconstruction.
Section BR3, the third of five contract sections, highlights PennDOT’s long-term commitment to rebuilding and improving Pennsylvania’s aging I-95 infrastructure.
Later stages of construction will include:
- Rehabilitating two ramps and replacing two ramps with at-grade fill.
- Erecting new northbound sound barrier walls.
The southbound side of I-95 at the Interchange will be completed under the BR4 contract, scheduled for 2029 or 2030.
PennDOT has already completed Sections BR0 (2017) and BR2 (2023), which involved reconstructing numerous ramps and bridges at the interchange, as well as ground-level and utility work.
Haines & Kibblehouse Construction of Skippack, PA, serves as the BR3 general contractor.
Travel Advisories and construction updates are available for your reference.