Neighborhoods, truck drivers already feeling effects of I-95 collapse
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's not just the area directly around the I-95 collapse that's being impacted in Philadelphia. Neighborhoods near detours are also feeling the effects.
Drivers in Frankford right along Aramingo Avenue have been using this area as a detour following the collapse all throughout the day.
Michael Mangraviti is just one of many drivers using Aramingo Avenue as an alternative.
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"There were semi trucks like trying to squeeze onto the left lane trying to head north because it's just totally blocked off," Mangraviti said.
One of those truck drivers being impacted is Angie Leacheo.
She and other drivers say neighbors in Frankford should expect to see semi trucks and more traffic in general.
"That's definitely going to add on more time," Leacheo said. "I'll have to wake up earlier just to get there on time."
"All these side roads are going to be heavily impacted," Mangraviti said.
And because of the extra cars and trucks on the road, local businesses like the limousine company Eric Whitmore works for will also be affected.
"It's going to be tough on our drivers because they use a lot of this because a lot of our clients live here and further down," Whitmore said. "As of now, we don't know how we're going to operate. It may take longer for rides."
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As traffic flows freely for now, drivers think that come Monday morning during rush hour that will all change.
"I'm sure a lot of people are not going out the way that they do because of this," Mangraviti said, "but I can't imagine tomorrow when people have to get into work. It's going to be a disaster."
On Sunday night, traffic issues already started due to local road closures, including on Cottman Avenue, as police changed the direction of some roads in the area to alleviate traffic.
Police said these local roads will be shut down at least until morning, and there could be more closures in the future.
"I don't know what to expect but I just know traffic delays all throughout the residential area of Philadelphia," Josh Hairston said.
