A portion of the Northeast extension of Interstate I-95 has been shut down since Jun 11, 2023 when a tanker truck caught fire causing the bridge to collapse. The horrific accident resulted in lanes on both sides of the highway to be completely shut down.
Truck driver, Army veteran, and proud father, Nathan Moody loss his life in the accident.
City officials vowed to have the bridge repaired as quickly as possible and even set up a live-stream for Philadelphians to monitor the progress. Indeed, many tuned in wondering if in fact I-95 could be repaired in two weeks.
The city made good on its promise.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke in a morning news conference announcing the bridge would be reopened and ready for traffic. Shortly after noon, the previously collapsed portion of the highway officially reopened.
A Temporary Fix
The six lanes are temporary but will allow traffic to flow once again. Currently there are still quite a few detours in place. However, later Friday afternoon, the hope is that crews can also lift many of these.
Indeed the lanes were built much faster than originally expected. Initial predictions speculated it would take months to complete.
“Let this serve as an example of how Pennsylvania can do big things. And when we come together, when we’re determined, we can get stuff done,” Shapiro said at a Friday morning news conference.
The permanent structure will require its own timeline to complete. The estimated cost for this project is between $25 million and $30 million, with the federal government pledging to cover a majority, if not all, of the cost.
Philly Pride
Among the first to cross the new bridge were firefighters and first responders who responded to the accident. In true Philadelphia spirit, the city’s sports mascots were also there including Gritty, Phanatic, Swoop, Franklin, and Phang.
Remembering Nathan Moody
Despite the success of rebuilding the roadway, the tragedy remains a life was lost. Moody was described by family members as an experienced driver and a loving father. “He wanted to raise his girl to know what a good Dad was, to know what a hardworking Dad was,” Issac Moody said to Fox29. “He didn’t drink, he didn’t smoke, he damn-sure didn’t use any drugs.”
To be an experienced driver, indeed you must have a love for the open road. The rebuilding of Interstate I-95 will also serve as semblance that Moody did not die in vain.
According to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, the Philadelphia Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Union joined forces to donate $50,000 to Moody’s family to build a trust for his daughter.