What To Know If You Plan To Attend The Papal Visit
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pope Francis is set to make his trip to the City of Brotherly Love on September 26-27. With the impending arrival of the Holy Father, there are a number of things that Philadelphians and visitors to the city need to be aware of.
Transportation Restrictions:
The Francis Festival Grounds (originally known as the Traffic Box) will go into effect on Friday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. in Center City and 10:00 p.m. in West Philadelphia. Emergency vehicles will be able to use Authorized Vehicle Access Roads beginning on Friday at 8 a.m.
Festival Grounds Boundaries: Center City
- Northern Boundary: Spring Garden to Ridge, Ridge to Girard, Girard to Schuylkill River
- Southern Boundary: South Street river to river
- East Boundary: Delaware Avenue from South Street to Spring Garden Street
- West Boundary: runs along the edge of the Schuylkill River and cuts up Kelly Drive stopping below the Girard Street Bridge
Festival Grounds Boundaries: West Philadelphia
- Northern Boundary: Powelton Avenue from 32nd to 38th
- Southern Boundary: University Avenue to Grays Ferry
- East Boundary: Runs along the edge of the Schuylkill River and train tracks
- West Boundary: 38th Street from Powelton Avenue to University Avenue
Road Closures: Closures will begin Friday, September 25 at 10:00 p.m.
- I-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95
- I-76 westbound from I-95 to US Route 1
- I-676 will be closed in both directions from I-76 to I-95
- US Route 1 will be closed in both directions from US Route 30 to Belmont Avenue, because Pope Francis is staying at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
- I-95 will remain open with selected exits closed
- The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic and will reopen on Monday, September 28 at 12:00 p.m. The bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic and emergency personnel.
Restrictions Timeline:
- Thurs, September 24, 10:00 p.m.: Secure perimeter around Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Secure Vehicle Perimeter will go into effect.
- Friday, September 25, 6:00 a.m.: Secure perimeter from 12th Street West until 20th Street will be opened to screened pedestrians only. No vehicles allowed in the Secured Vehicle Perimeter
- Friday, September 25, 8:00 a.m.: Authorized Vehicle Access roads go into effect
- Friday, September 25, 6:00 p.m.: Center City Francis Festival Grounds go into effect
- Friday, September 25, 10:00 p.m.: Secure perimeter around Independence Mall and the Secure Vehicle Perimeter go into effect as well as University City Festival Grounds.
- Saturday, September 26, 6:00 a.m.: Secure perimeter for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th Street West to the Art Museum and Independence Mall will open to ticketed pedestrians
WATCH: An Inside Look At Papal Security
Papal Events: CLICK HERE for full list of prohibited items for Papal Events
- Saturday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.: Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- Saturday, September 26, 4:45 p.m.: Visit to Independence Mall
- Saturday, September 26, 7:30 p.m.: Visit to Festival of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Sunday, September 27, 9:15 a.m.: Meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
- Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m.: Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
- Sunday, September 27, 4:00 p.m.: Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Sunday, September 27, 7:00 p.m.: Visit with World Meeting of Families organizers
- Sunday, September 27, 8:00 p.m.: Departure for Rome
Click here for a list of businesses that will be open during the Papal Visit
Click here for more information and complete coverage of Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.