When the Pope visits Philadelphia at the end of September, a number of major road and highway closures will affect traffic in and around the city. In order to drive safely, we've created this cheat sheet about where the Pope will be on which days, and how to avoid closed roadways and congested areas.
Tips for Safety:
- Wherever you are in the Philly area, remember that there is likely to be increased traffic in and around the city, both pedestrian and vehicular. People will be flocking to our city from all around the country (and even the world), and many of these visitors will be young children and elderly people with a more limited ability to observe traffic laws.
- If you're driving, you should be sure to keep an eye out for people who may not see you, or children who might dart out from behind parked cars.
- Drive slowly and carefully, and remember that wherever you are going, it's likely to take longer - be prepared and be patient. Give yourself extra time to get to your destinations. Keep water, snacks, and activities in the car, especially if you have kids with you.
Road Closures:
The following roadways will be closed beginning Friday, September 25th at 10pm.
- I-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95 (yellow).
- I-76 westbound from 1-476 to US Route 1 (red).
- I-676 in both directions from I-76 to I-95 (blue).
- US Route 1 in both directions from US Route 30 to Belmont Avenue (green).
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge (closed to vehicular traffic - open to pedestrian traffic) (pink).
The Traffic Box:
The "traffic box" is the term the mayor is using to denote which parts of the city will have different and restricted traffic patterns. It will encompass parts of Center City and West Philadelphia, and is different than the road closures listed above. The traffic box will begin on Friday, September 25th at 6pm.
- Drivers inside the traffic box will be able to drive around inside of it and also exit it, but not re-enter. Certain roads will also be designated as emergency access vehicle roads only. And while bicycle and pedestrian traffic are permitted inside the traffic box, SEPTA and trolley services will not be operating within its boundaries.
- North boundary: Spring Garden Street to Ridge Ave, Ridge Ave to Girard Ave, Girard Ave to the Schuylkill River
- South boundary: South Street, from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River
- East boundary: Delaware Avenue, from South Street to Spring Garden Street
- West boundary: The Schuylkill River, from South Street to Girard Ave
Events:
Here are all of the events taking place during the Pope's visit, as well as the times and places for each. Events that are marked as "open to the public" are expected to draw crowds of 500,000 or more, so avoiding those areas for the weekend if you do not plan to attend the events will likely lead to a less stressful experience.
|
Time |
Event |
Open to the Public? |
|
9/26/15 9:40 |
PIA private hangar |
No |
|
9/26/15 10:30 |
Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul |
No |
|
9/26/15 16:45 |
Independence Mall (including a loop in the Popemobile) |
Yes |
|
9/26/15 19:30 |
Festival of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art |
Yes |
|
9/27/15 9:30 |
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary |
No |
|
9/27/15 11:00 |
Curran-Fromhold Correctino Facility |
No |
|
9/27/15 16:00 |
Philadelphia Museum of Art |
Yes |
|
9/27/15 19:00 |
Atlantic Aviation hangar PIA |
No |
