I-95 bridge collapse in Philadelphia: What to know

If you’re commuting to Philadelphia or anywhere south, you might want to set your alarm a little earlier this week.

A vehicle fire shut down I-95 in both directions after an elevated portion of the heavily traveled interstate collapsed in Philadelphia on Sunday morning, state officials said, raising concerns about possible travel headaches throughout the Northeast.

It happened about 24 hours before Monday’s rush hour, and this fire could cause problems for months.

Interstate 95 is the main north-south highway on the East Coast and stretches from Florida through Maine to Canada.

"Plan and seek alternative travel routes," officials with the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said on Twitter.

Philadelphia I-95 collapse: What we know so far

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the vehicle fire closed all lanes between Exit 25 and Exit 32, which includes Allegheny Avenue, Castor Avenue, Academy Road and Linden Avenue.

"Preliminary reports indicate that a commercial truck carrying a petroleum-based product was the source of the fire," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Sunday. "We're still working to identify any individual or individuals who may have been caught in the fire."

The northbound side of the highway completely collapsed, while the southbound side remains structurally unsound, he said.

"We are not aware of any injuries or fatalities at this time, but we understand the situation remains fluid," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's administration said they were monitoring the situation and its impact on the Garden State.

Location map of I95 collapse

Officials said it could take months to repair the I-95 bridge collapse in Philadelphia. A look at alternate routes and detours for drivers.

If you’re not familiar with the names of the exits, the closures start just as you enter Philadelphia, northbound. On the southbound side, it reopens just before you make your way toward Center City.

Interstate 95 detour routes

Yes, although it’s still suggested you find other ways around the fire, Philadelphia police are detouring drivers off the major highway and through the neighborhood in Northeast Philly. Obviously, this will work better on Sunday morning than it will Monday when the workweek begins.

Commuters are encouraged to take Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, rail options to work and to give themselves extra time to reach their destinations. Additional cars will be added to the Trenton, West Trenton and Fox Chase rail lines. The Kenwood line will be bussed in order for SEPTA officials to reuse equipment on the Trenton line.

Parking will be free at three Philadelphia Parking Authority sites: Fern Rock, Fox Chase and Torresdale.

I-95 Southbound drivers are urged to take Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, 76 East or 676 East.

I-95 Northbound drivers are urged to take I-676 West, I-76 West, or U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road).

What was the tanker truck carrying?

The United States Coast Guard said the truck was transporting gasoline.

How long will I-95 be closed?

Pennsylvania officials said it could take months to replace the bridge.

"We're also looking at interim solutions to connect both sides of I-95 to get traffic through the area," Shapiro said.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: I-95 bridge collapse: Overpass at Cottman Avenue gives way