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DPS Special Notice

Market Street Bridge Closure

Market Street Bridge Project

The University has been notified that beginning Monday, August 24, 2026, PennDOT will close the Market Street Bridge to vehicular traffic as part of a major infrastructure renovation project. The closure is expected to continue through October 2027 and will significantly alter local traffic patterns in and around University City.  Commuters should anticipate increased congestion, longer travel times, and periodic traffic pattern changes throughout the construction.

We recognize that a project of this duration may affect your daily commute and appreciate the flexibility it may require. Penn is committed to providing timely information and resources to help you navigate the disruption.

Planning Your Commute

To help you prepare for the bridge closure, we encourage you to:

  • Allow additional travel time, particularly during peak commuting hours.
  • Consider alternative transportation options, including SEPTA.
  • Check traffic and transit conditions before traveling to campus.
  • Stay informed about roadway and transportation updates throughout the project.

Transportation Resources

Penn offers several resources to support your commute during the bridge closure:

  • SEPTA provides multiple transit options serving University City. Please note that some SEPTA-connected services, including the LUCY® (Gold and Green Loops through University City), may experience changes during construction.
  • Penn Transit bus routes will continue to operate as scheduled throughout the bridge closure.
  • Penn’s Transportation, Parking and Commuting website offers valuable information on Penn Transit routes, parking, as well as sustainable commuter benefits.
  • The PennTransit Mobile app serves as a convenient tool to connect you with these resources.

To stay informed about street closures and transportation updates on traffic conditions in the area, we encourage you to subscribe to the Division of Public Safety’s Traffic Advisories.

For additional information about the Market Street Bridge renovation, please visit the PennDOT project website.

We appreciate your patience, flexibility and understanding as PennDOT undertakes this vital infrastructure improvement.

 

Detour Information: Closure detour beginning August 24, 2026

  • Eastbound on Market from University City, right turn onto 30th Street, left turn onto Chestnut, continue east bound. Use 22nd Street to return to Market Street if needed.
  • Westbound from Center City, left on 23rd Street, right on Walnut Street, continue east bound. Make a right on Schuylkill Ave to return to Market Street if needed.

Truck Detour

  • Eastbound on Market Street from University City, right turn onto Schuylkill Ave, right turn on Walnut Street, right turn on 33rd Street, right turn on Chestnut Street, continue east bound. Use 22nd Street to return to Market Street if needed.

Access To/From I-76

  • Access to 76 W/B, 676, and 76 E/B all remain unchanged from Market Street, west of 30th
  • Westbound on Market Street from Center City, right on 22nd Street, left on 76 W/B ramp OR left on 23rd Street, right on Walnut Street, right on Schuylkill Ave, follow ramp to 76 W/B or 676 E/B.
  • Westbound on Market Street from Center City to 76 E/B, left on 23rd Street, right on Walnut Street, left on Schuylkill Ave, follow ramp to 76 E/B.
  • Traffic to Center City from 76 E/B will take 30th Street as usual however will utilize the Chestnut Street bridge to proceed E/B to Center City.
  • Traffic utilizing 76 W/B will use normal route, using Walnut Street for westbound into University City and West Philadelphia or Chestnut Street for Center City and eastbound traffic.
  • Truck route from 76 E/B will be right onto JFK Boulevard, left on Market Street, right on Schuylkill Ave, right on Walnut Street, right on 33rd Street, right on Chestnut Street, continue eastbound. Use 22nd Street to return to Market Street if needed.