Without providing an exact timetable, Shapiro pledges around-the-clock work to reopen I-95 ‘as soon as possible’

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Without providing an exact timetable, Gov. Josh Shapiro promised crews will work around the clock to reopen I-95 "as soon as possible."

Shapiro spoke at a press conference Wednesday morning in Tacony alongside leaders with PennDOT and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council.

The northbound side of the highway completely collapsed on Sunday. Demolition of the elevated southbound lanes must be completed before rebuilding can commence.

Some experts said the demolition alone could take a week or more, but Shapiro was pleasantly surprised to learn it will only take crews four days. Demolition is slated to be complete on Thursday.

Then, trucks can begin hauling in backfill made of recycled glass aggregate, which is going to be used to build up the gap under the elevated highway. On top of that, crews will pave six temporary lanes of traffic — three in each direction.

Crews will work on repairs outside of those lanes first, then move inward to work on the center portion of the bridge. Then, crews will work on reopening the Cottman Avenue exit ramp.

"This approach will allow us to avoid delays due to shipment and supply chain issues and pursue a simple, quicker path," Shapiro said. "Once complete, cars and trucks can return to this stretch of 95. And then, we will work together to build a permanent bridge, while making sure we keep six lanes of traffic open at all times."

Based on the speed of the demolition, the governor is confident in reopening the interstate in a timely manner, though he evaded reporters' questions about an approximate date.

Shapiro said he feels “competitive as hell” to get the highway reopened quickly and efficiently.

His office is also setting up a 24/7 live feed so the public can watch the rebuild in real-time.

Investigators said a tanker truck driver crashed around 6:15 a.m. Sunday and caught on fire, which caused a portion of I-95 to collapse. The truck was filled with gasoline.

PennDOT confirmed the bridge, which was only about a decade old, was structurally sound prior to the crash.

Shapiro's emergency declaration frees up $7 million in state funds. The Federal Highway Administration has provided $3 million in quick-release dollars, though the governor could not estimate how much everything will cost in the end.

State Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said it's an open-ended construction contract, which is not unusual in emergency situations like this.