Ben Franklin Bridge Travel Advisory: 2024 Presidential Debate Road Closures Impact Bridge Access for Travelers to New Jersey

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Released: 9/9/2024

Ben Franklin Bridge Travel Advisory: 2024 Presidential Debate Road Closures Impact Bridge Access for Travelers to New Jersey

UPDATE (TUESDAY, 9/10 7:00 A.M.):
Most roads leading to the bridge for travel to NJ are closed as the Secret Service has implemented the road closures for the Presidential Debate earlier than expected. Motorists should use the Walt Whitman or Betsy Ross Bridges for to travel to NJ.

The westbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge from NJ into PA remain open & unaffected at this time. Traffic heading into PA can still access I-95, the I-676 Vine St. Expressway, & Vine St. Local.

The pedestrian walkway is open & still scheduled to close early at 3 p.m. today.

Philadelphia road closures will prevent motorists from using the Ben Franklin Bridge to travel to New Jersey

Motorists are advised that road closures, detours, and travel restrictions will be in effect in Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, due to the Presidential Debate at the National Constitution Center (NCC) at 6th and Arch Streets.

These closures will significantly impact access to the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia. Eastbound travel from Philadelphia into New Jersey will be unavailable, as all roadways and entrance ramps leading to the bridge will be closed. Motorists will be unable to access the bridge for eastbound travel into New Jersey during the city road closures.

The City of Philadelphia and its Office of Emergency Management will be implementing the road closures and the closures affecting access to the Ben Franklin Bridge are expected to begin after rush hour on Tuesday. Details regarding the start, end, and duration of these closures will be provided on the City's social media pages.

Westbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge into Pennsylvania from New Jersey will remain open during this time, with traffic able to access I-95, the I-676 Vine Street Expressway, or Vine Street Local.

Motorists should plan alternate routes and expect delays. Eastbound travelers on I-676 can use I-95 South to the Walt Whitman Bridge or I-95 North to the Betsy Ross Bridge for New Jersey access.

Additionally, the pedestrian walkway on the Ben Franklin Bridge will close early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, and will reopen at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11.

PATCO train service will not be impacted by the road closures.

For real-time updates, motorists are encouraged to check traffic apps and reports. Road closure information will be available on the social media pages of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, the City of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department.

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