Based on a decision by PennDot, during the week of the Democratic National Convention, trucks weighing over 5 tons will be banned from driving on the 8-mile stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia.
PR Newswire reported that large trucks will be not be allowed to use I-95 from Exit 13 (Interstate 76 West/Route 291/Valley Forge) to Exit 22 (Interstate 676) from Saturday, July 23 at noon through midday on Friday, July 29.
PennDOT stated that they are working closely with regional transportation partners to display travel-related messaging by use of electronic message signs that will inform commercial drivers and other travelers of I-95 travel restrictions in Philadelphia during the convention.
Messages will be displayed on 109 permanent and portable electronic message signs starting Saturday, July 16, and will continue throughout the week of the convention.
PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards stated:
“We urge commercial drivers, if possible, to travel on interstate highways outside the Philadelphia region during the week of the convention to avoid being diverted off I-95.”
Truck detours will be as follows:
- From I-95 north: Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) east, to 26th Street, to Interstate 76 west, to Interstate 676 east
- From I-95 south: I-676 west, to I-76 east, to 26th Street, to Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) west.
In addition, the northbound and southbound entrance ramps to I-95 between Exit 13 and Exit 22 will be closed to commercial vehicles over 5 tons. Commercial vehicles will be instructed to use arterial roads to reach either I-95 north or south beyond Exit 13 or Exit 22.
Oversized loads will also be banned in the entire region of Philadelphia from Saturday, July 23, at 12:00 PM through midday Friday, July 29.
According to PennDot, these restrictions are in place due to a matter of security.