The Philadelphia interstate that had recently collapsed reopened on Friday, far ahead of schedule.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) held a press briefing on Friday announcing the completion of the interstate's restoration. In total, it took less than two weeks for the interstate to be rebuilt after it collapsed on June 11.
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"We all came together and proved that we can do big things again in Pennsylvania," Shapiro tweeted. We showed the world that when times get hard, Pennsylvanians show up for one another."
We all came together and proved that we can do big things again in Pennsylvania.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) June 23, 2023
We showed the world that when times get hard, Pennsylvanians show up for one another.
We work together — and we get shit done. pic.twitter.com/kPBtxueJ13
The overpass bridge on the interstate collapsed after a fire on the highway on June 11. Initially, Pennsylvania officials estimated it would take months for the interstate to be rebuilt.
"We work together — and we get s*** done," Shapiro tweeted.
On Thursday, Shapiro said the reconstruction of the interstate needed "12 hours of dry weather to complete the paving and striping process." Fortunately, the process was helped by Pocono Raceway lending its jet dryer to help with the process, as rain had been forecast in the area.
To rebuild I-95 on time, we need 12 hours of dry weather to complete the paving and striping process.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) June 22, 2023
With rain in the forecast, we reached out @PoconoRaceway for help — and they're bringing their jet dryer to Philly to help dry this section of I-95 and keep us on schedule.
The completion of the road's reconstruction was celebrated by the Philadelphia Fire Department taking a fire truck out on the new road, with several Philadelphia sports mascots hitching a ride.
I-95 is Reopened! Kicked off by Philly Fire & our team mascots @6abc pic.twitter.com/Ur084jHITZ
— Maggie Kent (@MaggieKent6abc) June 23, 2023
The interstate's reconstruction, as well as the appearances by the mascots, was celebrated by local attendees, who shared their thoughts on the new road on social media.
Only in Philly. We may not have gotten our Superbowl or World Series championship parades… but darnit we got the 95 reopening parade! https://t.co/hr94mxVgpN
— Miguel Martinez-Valle (@MiguelMValle) June 23, 2023
Love my Philly mascots! Out to celebrate amazing reopening of I-95 just 12 days after fatal tank truck fire instead of taking months to get the roadway back in business https://t.co/OE8QgqHd4P
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) June 23, 2023
Only in Philly does a road reopening become a citywide celebration ???? https://t.co/tR1vc2UKn6
— Heauxless Romantic (@TiaNoTamara1) June 23, 2023
There is no city I love more than the city of Philadelphia. https://t.co/oiC67BPrEp
— Becca Brubaker (@itsmebecca) June 23, 2023
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The fire that caused part of the interstate to collapse was caused by a truck that was carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline. The driver of the commercial truck lost control and crashed, resulting in a large fire that destroyed a section of the highway, according to reports.
To assist with the situation of the interstate collapse, Shapiro allocated $2 million in unused appropriated funds to the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.