I-676 Resiliency Study

County: Philadelphia County
Municipality: City of Philadelphia
State Route: I-676
Local Name: Vine Street Expressway
Project Type: Resiliency Study
Study Start: 2023
Study End: 2026
Last Updated: November

In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused severe flooding along Interstate 676, resulting in an approximately 65-hour closure of this critical highway connection. The closure diverted traffic, including heavy truck traffic, into local neighborhoods. As flood event frequencies are anticipated to increase in the coming decades, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advancing a Resilience Study to evaluate ways to reduce future flooding impacts on I-676.

The study was initiated in 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026. It will evaluate the technical feasibility, community and environmental impacts, and costs of constructing the evaluated flood mitigation improvements. At this stage, PennDOT is studying potential mitigation concepts. There is currently no project planned or funding to implement the study recommendations. Study findings will guide whether or how PennDOT moves forward with flood resiliency protections for I-676.

The I-676 Resilience Study aims to:

• Reduce the frequency of flood-related closures on I-676
• Reduce the time required to reopen the expressway after flood closure events
• Minimize the physical and visual impacts of the flood mitigation infrastructure
• Ensure that flood protection strategies do not increase flooding for surrounding neighborhoods and facilities

PennDOT is evaluating two types of physical improvements to increase I-676’s resiliency, including:

• Flood Barriers: Structures that would block water from entering the expressway during heavy rain. The study will evaluate tradeoffs to balance protection levels with their physical and visual impacts. In some cases, this may mean experiencing slightly more frequent flooding in exchange for less intrusive barrier designs.  
• Pump Station Enhancements: One of the pump stations that removes water from the expressway is located below the expressway. It flooded during Hurricane Ida, delaying the reopening of I-676. The study is examining options, such as elevating the pump station or constructing other protective measures, to enhance reliability during storms. 

Get Involved!

Public engagement is central to the I-676 Resilience Study. PennDOT will engage with local partners, stakeholders, and residents to share study findings and get feedback on potential concepts as they evolve. This website will be updated with useful information as the project advances.