Storm causes brief delay in Interstate 95 reconstruction
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Crews are hard at work at the I-95 collapse site in Philadelphia.
They're currently in the process of filling in the gap so that a temporary roadway can be constructed.
Work was put on hold for a brief time on Friday because of the storms, however, officials say crews were very productive.
Crews did brave some heavy rains but were forced to clear out due to lightning in the area.
Once the storm was over, officials say crews picked up right where they left off and got back to work.
The weather wasn't the only issue Friday. Chopper 6 was over a crash scene involving a car and a pole that lead to yet another closure around the site.
It happened on State Road at Princeton Avenue. The crash shut down the road being used as a detour for I-95 for hours.
SEE ALSO: Delaware County company providing special fill for I-95
"We are working as fast as we can. We worked through the rain and will work through the night to get it done as quickly as possible," said Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll.
The demolition portion of I-95 ended Thursday and workers are now readying to build the temporary roadway.
Phase 2 includes building six temporary lanes while the permanent new bridge is constructed.
PennDOT officials said the backfill material used in this process would not be affected by the rain or inclement weather.
"The real challenge for us today is to try to get everything level, so we can proceed to elevate material up towards roadway," said Carroll.
LIVE VIDEO: Watch as construction crews work to rebuild Interstate 95
Carroll says you can look for real progress within the next few weeks.
On Saturday morning, President Joe Biden will get an aerial tour of the site.
He will be joined on the tour by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Bob Casey, Congressman Brendan Boyle, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
President Biden has instructed his team "to move Heaven and Earth" and work around the clock to ensure the fastest possible reconstruction of the highway.
As reconstruction efforts unfold, commuters say they are still adjusting to the detours and backups that come with the I-95 closures.
"It's been a mess. Honestly, I'm leaving a half hour before I would even leave for work," said Nicole Driscoll from Northeast Philadelphia. "I've been late every day this week. Never been late in my life."
On the other hand, some say Friday's traffic was much better compared to the start of the week.
"It was like an hour in a half to get downtown. Today I made it back in 45 minutes," said Noel Murphy from the city's Mayfair neighborhood.
Commuters are hoping the highway reopens relatively soon, but officials do not have a specific timeline for reconstruction yet.
