Update 7/8/16: Yesterday, City officials announced the security plan and more road closures for the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which will be hosted in Philly from July 25 to 28.
The good news: Most of the security plan and associated road closures will be confined to South Philly around the Wells Fargo Center. Here's a helpful map of the area. Further down you'll find more information on what exit ramps will be closed on I-95 and 76.
DNC Road Closure Map on Scribd
[Editor's Note: This original version of the article first appeared on June 24, 2016.]
We're having flashbacks to #PopeinPhilly: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has released the planned road restrictions around Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention, which will run from July 25 to 28.
Here’s what you need to know:
I drive a regular car. Will I be able to get on I-95 during the DNC?
Yes. Regular passenger vehicles will not be prohibited from using I-95, but regardless, expect delays.
What if I drive a truck?
Commercial vehicles weighing over 5 tons will be diverted from I-95 between Exit 13 (Interstate 76 West/Route 291/Valley Forge) and Exit 22 (Interstate 676) from July 23 at 12 PM until midday July 29.
What qualifies as a commercial vehicle?
Delivery trucks, utility vehicles, parcel trucks, small dump trucks, buses, flatbed and stake trucks, refrigerated and box trucks, large delivery trucks, refuse trucks, cement mixers, buses, tractor trailers, motor homes
Ok, so where are the detours?
From I-95 north: Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) east, to 26th Street, to Interstate 76 west, to Interstate 676 east; and from I-95 south: I-676 west, to I-76 east, to 26th Street, to Route 291 (Penrose Avenue) west.
I work at the Navy Yard. How will I get there during the DNC?
The I-95 exit ramps at Broad Street (Route 611/Exit 17) in South Philly will be closed during the DNC, though the southbound exit ramp will be open intermittently just for access to the Navy Yard. Here’s the schedule of closures:
Friday, July 22, at 10:00 PM to Saturday, July 23, at 6:00 AM;
Monday, July 25, at 2:00 PM to Tuesday, July 26, at 2:00 AM;
Tuesday, July 26, at 2:00 PM to Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 AM;
Wednesday, July 27, at 2:00 PM to Thursday, July 28, at 2:00 AM; and
Thursday, July 28, at 2:00 PM to midday Friday, July 29.
Come July, PennDot will launch a website specifically for the DNC where you’ll be able to check traffic information in real time. Stay tuned.
- Commercial vehicles over five tons to be restricted on I-95 in Philadelphia during the DNC [PennDot]
- 10,660+ ways Philly will look different during the DNC [Curbed Philly]
- Here’s a sneak peek of the Broad Street mural planned for the DNC [Curbed Philly]