As a result of the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia in late September, the Ben Franklin Bridge, along with several major highways, will be shut down.

Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia is just around the corner, but you should start preparing now. Mayor Nutter gave a press conference Wednesday updating residents on major road closures. NBC10’s George Spencer breaks down the street detours.

During a news conference Wednesday with top city officials, including Mayor Michael Nutter, it was announced that the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 25th till noon on Monday, September 28th. The bridge, however, will remain open to pedestrians.



The following highways will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 25th:

I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) eastbound from I-476 (Blue Route) to I-95

I-76 westbound from I-95 to US Route 1

I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) closed in both directions from I-76 to I-95

US Route 1 from Route 30 to Belmont Ave

*I-95 will remain open with selected ramps closed*

MAJOR road closures for #popeinphilly #wmof much of 76, all of the Vine Street Expy. 95 remains open @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/gAZYoddMVK — Randy Gyllenhaal (@RandyGyllenhaal) August 5, 2015



In addition, Nutter said a “traffic box” will be put in place in parts of Center City and West Philadelphia. The traffic box for Center City will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25th and at 10 p.m. on the same day for West Philadelphia.

The following are the boundaries for the Center City traffic box:

The private vehicle lockdown zone is bounded to the south by South Street, to the north by Spring Garden, over to Ridge, and up to Girard, from east to west, it's essentially from river-to-river, Delaware Avenue to the Schuylkill River and up along Kelly Drive.

The following are the boundaries for the West Philadelphia traffic box:

The north boundary is from Powelton Avenue, from 32nd Street to 38th Street, to the south by University Avenue to Grays Ferry, to the east of the Schuylkill River and the train tracks and the west from 38th Street from Powelton Avenue to University Avenue.

Randy Gyllenhaal

Nutter said vehicles will be allowed to leave the traffic box, but they will not be allowed to re-enter. It was not announced if cabs would be allowed to leave and re-enter.

Even if you don’t have plans to see the Pope, the closings of major highways and streets could still affect you come September. NBC10’s Randy Gyllenhaal has more on the big highways and bridges that are shutting down Friday September 25 until at least Sunday September 27.

“Be prepared to walk at least a few miles or more. Private vehicles will really not be a viable option,” Nutter said.

Nutter said more than 1,000 state troopers are being deployed to assist in helping secure the visit.

The World Meeting of Families and visit by Pope Francis take place the last full week of September. Pope Francis arrives in Philadelphia early on Saturday, September 26th and leaves around 8 p.m. Sunday, September 27th.

