PENNSYLVANIA - For years, the "Park at Penn’s Landing"—the massive, $329 million project to cover I-95 and reconnect Old City to the Delaware River—has felt like a distant render. It was a lot of orange cones, closed lanes, and vague promises of "future green space." But starting next month, the "future" is finally getting lowered into place.
According to the latest updates from the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) and PennDOT, February 2026 marks the beginning of the most visible phase of construction: the installation of the massive steel deck beams that will form the foundation of the new 11.5-acre park.
The "February Phase" Explained If you drive I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, get ready for a change of scenery. Starting in February and running through March (Phase 1), crews will begin setting the steel beams over the northbound and southbound lanes.
- The Visual: You will no longer just be driving past construction; you will be driving under the skeleton of the new city park.
- The Impact: While PennDOT plans to keep lanes open during peak hours, expect overnight closures and "lane shifts" that will make the Columbus Blvd exit tricky for the next few weeks.
Why This Matters Now This isn't just about a park; it's about the 2026 timeline. With the Semiquincentennial (America 250) celebrations kicking off this summer and peaking in July, the pressure is on. While the full park won't be hosting picnics by this July 4th, the structure itself acts as a massive signal to the world (and the FIFA World Cup crowds arriving later) that Philadelphia has fixed its decades-old mistake of cutting off its waterfront.
The "South Street" Connection It’s not just the main cap. Construction is also ramping up on the South Street Pedestrian Bridge extension. By summer 2026, the framework will be visible, promising a future where you can walk from the chaotic energy of South Street directly over the highway to the river without dodging traffic.
The Bottom Line: The "Cap" is no longer a hole in the ground. By spring, it will be a roof over the highway. If you are looking to buy real estate in Old City or Penn’s Landing, the window to get in before "Parkside" pricing takes effect is closing fast.
