An overpass on northbound Interstate 95 in northeast Philadelphia that collapsed Sunday after a large fire is likely to take months to rebuild, officials say.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters it’s expected to take months to reconstruct the collapsed portion that crumbled after a large fire broke out from an accident.
Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, said he plans to issue a disaster declaration to expedite the rebuilding process.
A gasoline tanker spilled about 8,500 gallons after an accident, which started the fire underneath the overpass, officials said. The intense blaze caused the northbound lanes to crumble and damaged the southbound overpass. The highway will remain closed in both directions near the incident.
Officials said no deaths or serious injuries were reported.
President Biden was briefed on the situation. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the federal government will help to ensure the busy patch of highway, which carries tens of thousands of motorists each day, is repaired as quickly as possible.
“This is a major artery for people and goods, and the closure will have significant impacts on the city and region until reconstruction and recovery are complete,” Mr. Buttigieg said in a series of tweets. “Our department will be there with support throughout the process of I-95 returning to normal.”
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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