I-95 Section CAP
(Central Access Philadelphia)

Pennoni provided civil/site services for the I-95 CAP project along the Delaware River Waterfront.

The I-95 Central Access Philadelphia (I-95 CAP) project is a vision of the 2011 Master Plan for the Central Delaware River Waterfront. It is a multifaceted plan that calls for multimodal improvements along the Delaware River waterfront to promote long-term economic development. A key feature of this plan is to improve access and views to the waterfront from Center City and to create a new vibrant landscaped public space for the region and its visitors.

The project boundaries, south to north, extend from South Street to Market Street, and west to east from South Front Street to the Delaware River waterfront.

The project scope currently includes:
• Removal, replacement, and enlargement of the existing I-95 cap (Penns Landing Park)
• Construction of a pedestrian structure (CAP Access Ramp) between the Hilton garage and Seaport Museum
• Extension of the South Street Pedestrian Bridge over South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
• The reconstruction of the Penn’s Landing Road viaduct between Chestnut Street and Market Street
• Completing a segment of the multi-use Delaware River Trail along South Christopher Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street.

In addition to work along I-95 expressway, proposed work includes ~3000’ of Mill & Overlay on SR 2001 (Christopher Columbus Boulevard) and ~2000’ of full depth construction on Front Street, Chestnut Street, and Walnut Street combined. Full Depth I-95 Section CAP (Central Access Philadelphia) Philadelphia, PA reconstruction is anticipated on Front Street for raised crosswalks at the Walnut Street intersection, Chestnut Street intersection, and the proposed midblock crossing at Sansom Walk. Along with raised crosswalk and installation of new mid-block crossing, the project includes curb-bump outs and new signing to reduce speeds throughout the project area and enhance pedestrian safety. Bike access will be enhanced through facility upgrades on existing adjacent roadways and completion of the Delaware River Trail between Walnut Street and Chestnut Streets.

The project includes 60+ new inlets to be placed, including the ones that are being replaced/relocated due to proposed work. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) owns the combination storm sewer system located along SR 2001 (Christopher Columbus Blvd). Due to proposed work on the piers along SR 2001, inlets will require relocation along with the relocation of approximately 725’ of trunk line and the addition of wye branch connectors as per PWD’s requirements. A cistern system will be used on the top side of the proposed cap structure to hold stormwater which could potentially be re-used on site. Potential uses include irrigation and gray water toilet flushing among others.

The project includes the replacement of 6 traffic signals and new interconnect. The project also includes the replacement of overhead signing along I-95 and design of the first advanced traffic management system (ATMS) along I-95 in Pennsylvania to include lane control signals, DMS signs, variable speed limit signs, video, and queue detection.

A traffic model comprised of 92 intersections was developed for assessment of future traffic conditions and temporary traffic conditions associated with staged construction and detours. A comprehensive traffic management plan (TMP) is being prepared to minimize impacts resulting from full closures of I-95 (nighttime work only), South Street, Walnut Street, and Chestnut Street through the study area.