Platt Bridge closing for final phase of construction

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drivers who use the Platt Bridge to get to and From the Airport or I-95, will have to find another way around it this weekend.

The bridge will be closing Friday night for the final phase of a long-running construction project.

This is a weather sensitive project so PennDOT says they needed a beautiful weekend, and having the Phillies out of town is a big help too.

Those loyal to Route 291, which is the George C Platt Memorial Bridge, are anticipating traffic backups when the bridge closes down Friday night at 8:00 until Monday morning at 5:00.

But officials say fear not for the end to the two year project is near.

The $43 million project began in 2012. The Platt is a critical piece of infrastructure carrying more than 55,000 drivers daily.

The federal government is footing 80 percent of the bill, with state funds making up the difference.

The bridge has a new paint job, has had major parts repaired and replaced, and the concrete resurfaced.

This weekend's task is laying down a special sealant for the concrete.

The completed project is expected to keep the Platt Bridge in good condition for another 30 years.

In the meantime, PennDOT suggests these alternate routes: Eastbound commuters should follow Island Avenue to Enterprise Avenue to I-95 north, to Broad Street, to Pattison and then Penrose - the opposite for those heading westbound.

This project is not coming from the transportation funding recently passed in Harrisburg. There are more than 20 projects so far that have started or have been bid on with those funds.