Press Releases
News - Archive
Released: 7/22/2016
DRPA and PATCO Prepare for Democratic National Convention
CAMDEN, N.J. - The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) today announced travel reminders and schedule changes for motorists and passengers during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the Philadelphia region beginning this weekend. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge and the PATCO train line will serve as the gateway to Philadelphia, transporting delegates and visitors across the Delaware River to DNC events.
To facilitate access to and from Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Bridge and Walt Whitman Bridge will have all seven lanes open for the duration of the DNC, with no restrictions or closures. On Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Walt Whitman eastbound exit 350, marked as Packer Avenue, will be closed. This closure makes exit 349 for 611/Broad Street/Sports Complex the last exit in Pennsylvania before the bridge.
Motorists heading to Pennsylvania are reminded that vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from traveling on I-95 between exit 13 for I-76 West/Route 291/Valley Forge and exit 22 for I-676.
In order to accommodate the expected increase in ridership during the DNC, PATCO will increase the number of cars per train, running 4-car trains during non-rush hours, rather than the typical 2-car trains. The option of increasing the number of cars per train will be available should demand require it. PATCO will run on a regular schedule Monday, July 25 through Wednesday, July 27 and Friday, July 29.
On Thursday, July 28, PATCO will run a special schedule to account for additional travelers as a result of the “Camden Rising” concert taking place at the BB&T Pavilion. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., six-car trains will be used in place of the normal four- and two-car trains. Trains will run every 10 minutes both westbound from the Lindenwold station and eastbound from the 16th and Locust station during this time. After 4 p.m., additional westbound trains will originate from the Broadway station. A special timetable, which will include all changes, will be posted online and in stations.
Travelers are encouraged to visit the DRPA and PATCO websites for more information. During the DNC, DRPA and PATCO will provide regular updates through these websites, as well as Twitter and Facebook accounts.
[ Return to List ]