Street and parking restrictions to impact Philadelphia traffic after presidential debate
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A day after Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took part in a debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, drivers and SEPTA riders are still dealing with delays and closures.
The eastbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge heading into New Jersey were closed early Tuesday morning and reopened just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Harris and Trump took part in the debate Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management said increased traffic and temporary lane closures began on Saturday in and around the National Constitution Center at 6th and Arch streets.
Street closures went into effect Tuesday morning from Arch to Market streets between 4th and 7th streets.
Just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Delaware River Port Authority announced that most roads leading to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge for eastbound travel to New Jersey are effectively closed.
"Secret Service has implemented the road closures for the Presidential Debate earlier than expected. Motorists should use the [Walt] Whitman or [Betsy] Ross Bridges for to travel to NJ," DRPA said.
Westbound lanes of the bridge from New Jersey into Pennsylvania are still open. The pedestrian walkway closed at 3 p.m.
I-676 westbound to the bridge is still open but could shut down if needed.
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic is permitted on 4th and Market streets.
Arch and Race streets will be closed throughout the event, and closures will be in effect until the event clears out, which OEM expects will be Wednesday.
Anyone working inside the secure zone is asked to access their building through an entry at 7th and Arch streets.
Due to public safety and potential First Amendment demonstrations, more temporary highway and street closures may be enacted if necessary.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said while there will be disruptions in traffic and possible protests, the city is working with state and federal partners.
"We will have a substantial number of men and women down on the ground supporting the efforts in that area," Bethel said. "We are fully prepared to take this task on."
OEM warns drivers to expect delays on surrounding roadways.
John Hanson, the CEO of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), urged drivers to be patient navigating the closures.
"It's always important for drivers to have patience, right, because becoming impatient can lead to accidents, and that's going to take you even longer," Hanson said. "This, in my memory, hasn't really happened, so it is going to be a hardship for people who are trying to drive in the region."
Shawn Morgan felt there has to be a better option to keep both presidential candidates safe while limiting the impact on drivers.
"It's a better way to do this. I mean, this is a major metropolitan city," Morgan said. "I just think there's better ways they can redirect traffic and make it less congested."
Peter Blauert was hoping to cross the Ben Franklin Bridge Tuesday afternoon. Despite the additional time that he has to add to his commute, he said it's worth it as the presidential debate is more important.
"It's a hassle, but I think tonight, this is really important," Blauert said. "I'll take the alternate route for this."
SEPTA details service adjustments ahead of debate
Due to the road closures, multiple SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from their daily routes beginning Tuesday morning effective through Wednesday morning.
SEPTA says buses will not stop at Market Street stops from 5th to 7th streets in either direction.
The transit agency said the Market-Frankford Line will only stop on the east side of the 5th Street Station. The west side will be closed.
Anyone traveling via public transportation can keep up-to-date with SEPTA's alert and advisories website.
