The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced March 20 that construction will begin March 29 on a project to reconstruct sections of Delaware, Allegheny and Castor avenues in Philadelphia to improve traffic movement on surface streets at the Interstate 95 Allegheny Avenue/Castor Avenue Interchange.

Under the Section AF2 contract, PennDOT will fully reconstruct the pavement, update traffic signals, and install a new stormwater drainage system, new signing and new lighting on Delaware Avenue from Allegheny Avenue to Castor Avenue; on Allegheny Avenue from Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue; and on Castor Avenue from Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue.

Section AF2 improvements will enhance vehicular traffic flow to and from the ramps at Allegheny Avenue and Castor Avenue and improve the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along Allegheny Avenue, Delaware Avenue and Castor Avenue within the project area.

Construction crews will implement periodic short-term lane restrictions for approximately three weeks for surveying and layout activities on Allegheny and Castor avenues east of Richmond Street, and on Delaware Avenue between those two riverfront arterials.

Occasional single lane closures may be in place on each of the affected avenues during the initial operations. Reconstruction activities are anticipated to begin in mid-April on Castor Avenue east of Richmond Street.

James J. Anderson Construction of Philadelphia is general contractor on the $31,245,910 project that is financed with 100 percent federal funds. The entire project is expected to be completed by late 2022.

Section AF2 is the second phase of surface street improvements for PennDOT's larger I-95/AFC project to reconstruct I-95 between the Frankford Creek and Allegheny Avenue. The first phase (Section AF1), completed in late 2020, reconstructed and improved Richmond Street between Ann Street and Westmoreland Street.

In addition to improving traffic movement on surface streets serving the interchange, the I-95/AFC project will reconstruct and improve 1.5 mi. of I-95 and its structures from just south of the Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange to just north of Allegheny Avenue (Clearfield Street) and reconfigure the Castor Avenue ramps. Those projects — Sections AF3 and AF4 — remain under design and are tentatively scheduled for construction in 2024 (AF3) and 2028 (AF4).

For more information on PennDOT's I-95 reconstruction program, visit www.95revive.com.

For a complete list of construction projects impacting state-owned highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, visit www.penndot.gov/District6TrafficBulletin.

Today's top stories

Reconstruction of Frank J. Wood Bridge in Maine Under Way

Buffalo Looks to Improve, Protect Ralph Wilson Park

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Make Eliminating Jobsite Distractions Company Safety Goal

VIDEO: Komatsu Holds Demo Days at Cartersville Customer Center

Hansen Hosts 59th Annual Spring Nitke Contractor Auction

RMS Rentals Welcomes Guests to Open House in Savage, Minnesota

Mixed-Use Project in SW Philadelphia's Africatown to Soon Begin Construction