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Released: 5/27/2021 

Walt Whitman Bridge Travel Reminder


As the summer travel season gets underway, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) wants to remind motorists of an ongoing construction pattern on I-76 in Philadelphia that could impact travels.

As part of the current phase of the Walt Whitman Bridge I-76 Corridor Rehabilitation Project, only one lane in each direction on I-76 between Broad Street (Exit 349) and Passyunk Avenue (Exit 347) is open to traffic. The construction activities in this phase are weather-sensitive and required to be performed during warmer temperatures.

In addition, during this four-month construction phase, several ramps are closed to allow work to occur on the ramps and the merge between the ramps and corridor. Detours are in place to guide motorists around the ramp closures.

Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time and are reminded to stay alert, exercise caution, and obey speed limits when traveling through work zones. It is recommended that motorists check traffic conditions, possibly adjust their departure times and sign up for DRPA travel text alerts.

Travel options to avoid the I-76 single-lane construction zone:

  • Motorists traveling on I-95 North or South can access the Walt Whitman Bridge as usual and are not affected by the construction activities.
  • From points north and west of the city and University City, motorists may opt to take the Ben Franklin Bridge by taking I-676 East (Vine Street Expressway) and upon crossing, I-676 South towards Route 42.
  • South Philadelphia area motorists may access the Walt Whitman Bridge using the Front Street, Darien Street, Broad Street, or Penrose Avenue on-ramps. Beginning on June 2, the ramp from Passyunk Avenue to the bridge will be closed for two weeks.
  • Motorists may also consider using the Commodore Barry or Betsy Ross Bridges as alternates.


The $74M multi-year Walt Whitman Bridge I-76 Corridor Rehabilitation Project began in February 2020 and improves the asphalt pavement, concrete surfaces on the overpasses, drainage, lighting, guardrails, sign structures, and many other items. Much of the work is rehabilitation to the original construction from the 1950s.

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