Driving or taking SEPTA from Philly? What Bucks County commuters can expect heading home

For travelers who braved the trip into Philadelphia on Monday, the ride home could be just as challenging, as Bucks County commuters who normally travel Interstate 95 were forced to find alternative ways to and from the city.

A lengthy section of I-95 will be closed indefinitely in both directions after a tanker fire collapsed a portion of the highway in the Tacony section of Philadelphia.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a disaster declaration Monday, saying it gives state agencies the ability to skip normal bidding and contracting requirements so that the span can be repaired more quickly. The highway repairs are anticipated to take months Shapiro said, adding that his office will have a better timeline after PennDOT and its engineers finish their structural review.

While state and federal investigators piece together the cause of the crash, transportation officials handle the disruptions in travel — a challenge which is expected to continue until repairs are completed.

Drivers rerouted around I-95 closures

Brad Rudolph, PennDOT deputy communications director, said there were significant backups and delays associated with the closure this morning.

“Drivers should expect delays and backups to continue as we work to reopen I-95,” he added.

More: Additional detours, closures put in place by Philadelphia Police in wake of I-95 collapse

Rudolph advised drivers to plan ahead using resources like 511PA.com or the 511PA app to estimate backups and delay, while staying up-to-date on the latest detours and road closures.

These are the approved detours as of Monday:

Local Detour Routes

• I-95 Southbound: Cottman Avenue exit, Bleigh Avenue and State Road to access I-95 South at Longshore Ave.

• I-95 Northbound: Exit 26 (Betsy Ross/Aramingo Ave), Tacony Street, New State Road, Milnor Street, Bleigh Avenue and Linden Avenue to access I-95 North.

Detour Routes

• I-95 Southbound: Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, 76 East, 676 East

• I-95 Northbound: I-676 West, I-76 West, U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road)

More: Where is the I-95 collapse? Maps show where it happened and how traffic is affected

No issues Monday along SEPTA Trenton and West Trenton lines, but week could get busier

Travel along the regional rails in Bucks County was uneventful Monday morning, while other modes ran on time or close to schedule, according to SEPTA public information manager John Golden.

“We saw a slight uptick on Regional Rail Lines that run adjacent to I-95 but we expect more riders as the week progresses. Tomorrow will be a better test as Mondays for many are a (work from home) day,” Golden said in an email Monday afternoon.

SEPTA also provided three extra morning and late afternoon trains on the Trenton line, as well as added capacity to regularly scheduled Trenton, West Trenton, and Fox Chase lines during peak hours to help support the city and region’s travel needs.

Philly detour: Bucks County commuters navigate around I-95 bridge collapse to get into Philadelphia

Golden said SEPTA will continue to monitor their system closely and adjust service levels accordingly.

“We know that we get different rider levels on Monday than on Tuesday, and as the week progresses, however, we expect the extra service and capacity we have in place for today will be there for tomorrow, as well. And then we'll continue to make further adjustments, making every effort to bring more equipment and have more personnel available. We will also continue to work on a service plan as we know this will be ongoing for the foreseeable future,” he said.

Ambassadors will be at certain locations to help answer questions new riders might have about fares and schedules. For riders who are unable to get a ticket beforehand, a credit card or cash can be used on board Regional Rail to pay for fare.

Additional information can be found online at SEPTA.org for frequent and real-time travel updates. Riders can also follow @SEPTA on Twitter, download the SEPTA App, or call customer service at 215-580-7800.

SEPTA Trenton line providing extra service to Philadelphia

• AM: 6:40 AM and 8:03 AM from Trenton, along with 8:25 AM from Holmesburg Juncton.

• PM: Trains will run at 3:05 PM from Suburban Station to Holmesburg Junction, along with 4:30 PM and 5:20 PM to Trenton.

• These trains are additions to regularly scheduled trips.

• SEPTA will increase capacity on the Trenton, West Trenton and Fox Chase Regional Rail Lines by adding rail cars to scheduled peak service trains. This means adding rail cars to regularly scheduled trains.

• Parking continues to be free at Regional Rail Stations and we will be deploying Operations personnel and ambassadors to assist customers Philadelphia Parking Authority parking lots near SEPTA stations at Fern Rock, Torresdale, and Fox Chase will also be free.

• SEPTA is also bolstering staffing to ensure reliable and frequent service is available on the Market-Frankford Line, buses and other transit service.

• Bus Routes 70, 78, & 84 were detoured and will be until further notice.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: I-95 collapse forces detours and SEPTA changes to Bucks County