I-95 Philadelphia reopens near Cottman Ave. after deadly collapse. Here's how it drives.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Interstate 95 near Cottman Avenue is back open to traffic less than two weeks after a deadly collapse following a tanker truck caught fire. The collapse forced the southbound side to be demolished.
Commuters and residents were forced onto sideroads as crews worked around the clock to get the important patch of roadway reopened to thousands who drive on it every day.
On Friday morning, in a celebratory news conference, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro praised the commonwealth's grit and determination in getting the highway reopened.
"Over the past 12 days, the eyes of the nation have been on Pennsylvania," Shapiro said. "We showed them what our grit and determination are all about. We showed them good government in action. And, this is what we can do when all levels of government come together to get the job done."
There is a lot of excitement in the air as we head toward that temporary bridge.
Construction is ongoing but traveling on 95 is a lot quicker and easier than having to travel through a maze of detours into the surrounding neighborhoods.
One business I talked to is now hoping to see more of their customers after a long 12 days.
"We would normally have a full bar by now," bartender Erin Szelagowski said.
Business is slowly starting to pick up again at Sharkey's Grill & Ale House in Tacony, now that I-95 has reopened.
"We're really hoping that everything goes back to normal," Szelagowski said. We're not sure if that's going to be the case because I feel like people are going to be nervous with the smaller lanes but we're all hoping for the best."
Szelagowski works as a bartender at Sharkey's and has been dealing with the bumper-to-bumper traffic on her way to work every day for the last week and a half.
"Coming upstate has been difficult! and they kept closing state on us," Szelagowski said. "So if state's closed you can't get here.
We were among the first to drive over the interstate as it reopened. Many people credit the around-the-clock hustle of the crews and the leadership of Gov. Shapiro.
"The governor, he did wonderful," Bill Savidge said.
"I think what they did was unbelievable and I think what they did collectively, they all did it together and I think it was wonderful," Gary Kueny said.
Drivers agree.
"Thank the governor and all the workers who did all the work," Fred Veneziale said. "Great job!"
As we make our way southbound on Interstate 95, many are thankful for the quick work by the construction crews.
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Nathan Moody was behind the wheel when the tanker crashed on June 11. Moody died in the crash.
With the temporary lanes back open, the big questions were what it was like and how was the traffic.
We drove in our Mobile Weather Lab to share the experience.
What we know
Crews painted solid lines overnight, which means drivers are not supposed to pass each other when traveling over it.
Drivers are also urged to drive slowly because it is an ongoing construction zone.
The speed limit over the bridge is 45 mph.
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The lanes are thinner. Normal highway lanes are 12 feet wide. These lanes are 11 feet.
When the overpass first came down, the impression was it would take months to get cars moving along the interstate again.
Those who live in Tacony and other nearby neighborhoods are happy to hear that the traffic that snarled in their front yards for almost two weeks will hopefully be no more.
