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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside state and federal officials, provided an update on the I-95 bridge collapse.
The portion of I-95 collapsed Sunday morning after a tanker truck carrying more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline lost control on an exit ramp. The truck crashed and ignited a heavy fire which ultimately led to the collapse.
On Monday, Gov. Shapiro issued a proclamation of disaster emergency, which allows the state to immediately draw down federal funds to begin the repair and reconstruction process.
Officials said today that reconstruction will be underway as soon as the demolition of the damaged section is completed. The demolition is “well-ahead” of schedule and is expected to be completed tomorrow.
“There has been tremendous amounts of work occurring with people that are very talented and engineers that are able to design a forward-looking structure that meets the immediate needs of this community, this city, while also making sure that we have a structure that will serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for decades,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll.
However, its still too soon to say when the critical interstate will be up and running. Shapiro says crews will be working around the clock to open the interstate as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible.
“When I visited this site just a few hours after the fire and collapse on Sunday, I made it clear that my Administration would lead a coordinated response to reopen I-95 safely and as efficiently as possible,” said Gov. Shapiro. “Getting I-95 repaired and reopened is our top priority – and we are working our tails off. Under the leadership of Secretary Carroll, and with the support of our federal and local partners and the talented trades workers right here in Philadelphia, we are moving full steam ahead. Government is working for the good people of Pennsylvania. We have a lot do to, and together, we will get this done,” Shapiro added.
A live feed is being set up and will operate 24/7 so the public can watch the rebuilding process in real-time. That live feed will be publicly available later this week.
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