Drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, residents, and visitors should prepare for a series of travel changes near 30th Street Station as PennDOT begins its long-planned reconstruction of the Market Street Bridge. The first restrictions begin Monday, July 20, 2026, with overnight closures of westbound I-76 and a month-long lane closure on Market Street. A longer closure of the Market Street bridge over the Schuylkill River is expected to begin in late August of 2026.
The work is part of a multi-year, approximately $149 million project addressing the aging bridge complex that carries Market Street over Amtrak tracks, I-76, the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill River Trail, and CSX railroad tracks. PennDOT is replacing several bridge sections and extensively rehabilitating and redecking the span over the river. The overall project is scheduled for completion in April 2029. During this project, the superstructure on the existing Market Street bridge over Amtrak and I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), at the intersection of Schuylkill Avenue West and Market Street, will be partially demolished and replaced. The deteriorated deck and sidewalks of the immediately adjacent Market Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River will also be replaced, and the existing four-span Market Street bridge over the Schuylkill River Trail and CSX Railroad on the east side of the river will be replaced with a single-span bridge and retaining walls.
Along with structural work on the bridges, Market Street’s pavement will be reconfigured from Schuylkill Avenue West to 23rd Street to enhance the existing transportation network and accommodate vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The new pavement will include two, 10-foot-wide travel lanes in both directions with turning lanes and wide sidewalks. A two-way bicycle lane with concrete separators will be installed and connected to the existing bicycle facilities at 23rd Street. A bicycle signal will be installed at Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue West.
Modifications and upgrades will also be made to the traffic signals in the project area, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) improvements and replacement of new highway lighting, bridge enhancement lighting, and navigation lighting systems.
Immediate travel restrictions: July 20–August 20
- I-76 West overnight closure: From Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 23, westbound I-76 will close between the 30th Street and I-676 interchanges from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting.
- I-76 detour: Drivers will exit at 30th Street and travel west on Schuylkill Avenue to reach ramps for I-76 West and I-676 East.
- Market Street lane closure: From Monday, July 20, through Thursday, August 20, the center lane will close between Schuylkill Avenue and 30th Street for utility work. Two lanes will remain open in each direction at all times.
Expected impacts: PennDOT advises travelers to allow extra time because backups and delays are expected along the detour and near the work zone.
Longer Market Street bridge closure beginning in late August
The utility work prepares for the closure, demolition, and reconstruction of the Market Street bridge over the Schuylkill River. PennDOT has said the work will begin in late August and that the bridge is expected to remain closed to motor vehicles through October 2027.
Pedestrians and cyclists should retain access across the bridge during the long-term closure, although they will be encouraged to consider Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, and other routes. PennDOT plans to release detailed detour information closer to the closure date. This section should be updated when the agency confirms the exact start date, traffic detours, transit impacts, and walking and biking arrangements.
Why the work is happening
The bridge complex is approximately 94 years old. The project includes replacing the Market Street bridges over Amtrak and I-76, redecking the bridge over the Schuylkill River, and replacing the bridge over the Schuylkill River Trail and CSX tracks on the east side of the river. Temporary expressway closures are required when crews lift and install large bridge sections above I-76.
Suggested community guidance
Travelers are asked to plan extra travel time, especially during the overnight I-76 detour and peak periods near 30th Street Station. Consider alternate routes and transportation options before traveling through the Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue area.
Check 511PA for current highway conditions and MarketStreetBridges.com for project updates and email alerts.
Watch for additional PennDOT announcements before the long-term Market Street bridge closure begins.
