The closure is part of PennDOT's nearly $150 million effort to rehabilitate the 94-year-old bridge connecting Center City and University City. Preliminary construction began last year, but work is set to ramp up Monday. The bridge is expected to remain closed to vehicle traffic until October 2027.
Some residents expressed frustration with the duration of the closure.
"There should be a better way to do it because 14 months sounds like a lot," said Chrisma Ndlovu of Souderton.
"Yeah, way too long to have this closed," said Jaden Condiles of Fitler Square. "It'll seriously impact me; it's the most convenient way to get to where I live. So that's disappointing," Condiles said.
According to PennDOT, the completed project will include a new two-way bike lane with concrete separators. A rendering released by the agency shows the future design of the bridge.
Cristobal Cantu of University City said the planned bike improvements could benefit travelers who use alternative transportation.
"I think for bikers and people who ride scooters and skateboards, it definitely would be useful," Cantu said.
"In the long run, I think it's a good thing for the city to have," he added.
The project also will bring changes to parking in parts of Center City. New signs posted on several blocks state that parking will be prohibited from Aug. 20, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028.
On Chestnut Street between 22nd and 23rd streets, the parking lane will be converted into a turning lane. On 23rd Street between Market and Walnut streets, parking lanes will become a bike lane detour during the project.
Another no-parking zone is also in effect on Walnut Street between 23rd and 33rd streets while PennDOT performs improvement work on the Walnut Street Bridge.
PennDOT said the parking restrictions will remain in place longer than the Market Street Bridge vehicle closure because additional project-related work will continue after the bridge reopens and the detours will still be needed.
"There's already no parking spots, so this is gonna make it worse," Ndlovu said.
"Parking's already so difficult in that area, and here, so I just imagine it's gonna be way more congested," said Elise Karkowsky of Fitler Square.
The project will also require SEPTA to detour six bus routes for a little more than a year.
The changes begin Monday, the same day SEPTA rolls out some of its new bus network changes and the School District of Philadelphia starts its first day of school, creating what could be a particularly busy morning commute.