The section of the eastbound highway to be closed runs from the University City Exit and the 34th Street Exit in the Grays Ferry section of the city.
The closure dates and times are:
*9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 until 4 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23.
During the closures, the regional detour routes will be:
*I-676 East (Vine Street Expressway) to I-95 South or
*I-476 South to I-95 North
Local traffic will be directed to exit at Grays Ferry Avenue/University Avenue (Exit 346B) and use the University Avenue Bridge/34th Street to access the ramp to the eastbound Schuylkill Expressway.
All ramps to and from the Schuylkill Expressway will remain open to traffic during the closure, PennDOT said.
The other planned closures are:
*9 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 27 until 4 a.m. on Mon., Sept. 30
*9 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 4 until 4 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 7
*9 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 11 until 6 a.m. on Sun., Oct. 13
The project will focus on repairs to the bridge deck and riding surfaces in the eastbound lanes of both the I-76 land and river bridges.
The bridges are used by a combined 38,000 vehicles daily. That's why. PennDOT says, this is a project that can't wait any longer.
"We don't think it's going to hold up another winter. We've been performing temporary repairs for some time, but now's the time for a more comprehensive repair," said PennDOT Deputy Communications Director Brad Rudolph.
PennDOT will be replacing the current asphalt with a longer-lasting material that it says will help prevent issues like surface cracking and potholes.
Drivers we spoke with understood the need for improvements along the Schuylkill Expressway.
"I honestly think it's one of the worst highways in the city," said Lenette Foster of Kingsessing. "(It's) always backed up. Not really sure why."
"If it's a necessity and they have to do it for safety issues, you know, what can you say?" said Cynthia Bligen of Center City.
PennDOT has communicated with resources like Apple Maps and Waze. They've also mapped out a half-mile detour.
"It's going to take you off at Grey's Ferry/University, which is that last exit you can get off of, then it's going to take you right over the University Avenue Bridge which turns into 34th Street, and then you will hop on 76 East from there," said Rudolph.
RELATED: For the latest conditions on area highways, check 6abc.com/Traffic.
"It's gonna cause a lot of headaches," said Regina Ervin who lives in the area of Grays' Ferry that could be impacted by drivers trying to find a way around the construction. "The neighbors on Grays Ferry Ave. (will) have a hard time crossing (the street) and everything."
PennDOT worked with the sports complex and CHOP to identify four weekends that would be least disruptive. They say closing all the eastbound lanes at the same time will allow for quicker repairs.
Drivers just have to be prepared for the weekend traffic woes. Anton Henderson of Southwest Philadelphia has some advice for any driver who might be feeling a little impatient due to the construction.
"If you get stuck," he said, "just be patient. Sing a song! Smile!"
The four weeks of closures will be worth it because PennDOT says these repairs will last for about a decade.
It'll also be good practice for when crews have to do the westbound lanes in the same area next year.
PennDOT says drivers can check on current conditions on major roadways by visiting https://www.511pa.com/
Drivers can find a list of a complete list of PennDOT District 6 construction projects here: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/Philly-Regional-Traffic-Bulletin.aspx
PennDOT also recommends following regional alerts which will be posted on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/511PAPhilly