The state of Pennsylvania and the US Federal Highway Administration together this week released $10m in emergency funds to start replacing a section of elevated highway in Philadelphia destroyed by fire on Sunday, 11 June.
The northbound bridge carrying the Interstate 95 (I-95) came down in the morning after a tanker carrying gasoline crashed and erupted in flames underneath, killing the 53-year-old driver.
The blaze also left the southbound bridge severely compromised, thus blocking a major traffic route in the northeastern US.
The Philadelphia Fire Department had the fire under control by around 7:30am.
The day after the crash, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro released $7m for immediate reconstruction, waiving usual bidding and contracting procedures. Yesterday, the US Federal Highway Administration released $3m.
“This tragic crash is having an outsized impact on commuters and on goods movement up and down the I-95 corridor,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on a visit to the site 13 June.
“It’s a key artery for the movement of people and goods, and that’s why it’s so important for people and goods and that’s why it’s so important to make sure that it’s restored quickly,” he added.
Crews worked 24/7 to finish demolishing the damaged structure yesterday, days ahead of schedule.
Pennsylvania State Police yesterday escorted trucks carrying specially-designed glass aggregate for backfill up the I-95 from Delaware County.
“Getting I-95 repaired and reopened is our top priority and we are working our tails off,” Governor Shapiro said.
