The WTS Philadelphia chapter held its second event of the year on Tuesday, February 25, at The Notary Hotel in Center City. The luncheon event, titled “Speeding Ahead on I-95: How it started…How It’s Going,” provided attendees with networking and a panel discussion over lunch.

When the sold-out audience was asked to raise a hand if they are currently working on or have previously worked on I-95, just about every hand was in the air, and the discussion truly felt like a celebration of the incredible work being done on this massive improvement project.

Sara Patterson from Michael Baker led the discussion that covered numerous aspects of this impressive undertaking. The esteemed panel included:

• Elaine Elbich, PennDOT
• Pam Conti, WSP
• Nora Kerins, Urban Engineers
• Debbie Ferraro, Pennoni

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Our panelists expertly covered this significant and ongoing project's planning, staging, and phasing. They shared how the much-needed safety improvements and infrastructure needs of I-95 are being met by innovative solutions and continual engagement with the community directly affected by the work. From dust screens and graffiti removal to contaminated soil, “dirty dirt” at Monkiewicz Playground, the collective end goal of the I-95 project is clear: to create a sustainable corridor that improves the air, water, and congestion, and transforms the area into something for the community to call its own that meets the needs of everyone involved.

Perhaps one of the most exciting pieces of the I-95 project for the community to look forward to is the Central Access Philadelphia (CAP) Project. This specific 95 project will improve bicycle, pedestrian, and multi-modal connections between Center City and the waterfront and will culminate in a new 11.5-acre park on the waterfront. The park will feature open spaces, gardens, play areas, a large timber pavilion, unique art, and lighting design and is sure to be an urban oasis at Penn’s Landing.

Following the event, when asked his thoughts about the panel discussion, Jim Miller of Michael Baker offered, “For us, I-95 represents one of the most impressive infrastructure improvements in the City of Philadelphia, and it’s always great to learn more about what’s going on with the

I-95 program but be a part of it.”

The discussion was followed by a brief Q&A, and the program concluded at 1:30 pm.

Click here to check out photos from the event!