The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced the availability of $3 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief funds to help with repairs of a section of Interstate 95 Philadelphia that collapsed June 11.
Action News ABC reported an uncontrollable tractor-trailer, operated by Nathaniel Moody, overturned on an off-ramp of Interstate 95 while carrying a load of gasoline. The vehicle subsequently caught fire, leading to the structural collapse of the roadway.
"Closely monitoring the fire and collapse on I-95 in Pennsylvania," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a June 11 post on Twitter. "I've been in touch with FHWA and spoke with Gov. Shapiro to offer any assistance that USDOT can provide to help with recovery and reconstruction."
Law enforcement authorities have preliminarily determined the accident was a result of the driver navigating the curve at an excessive speed, according to Action News. Consequently, the authorities have made the decision to demolish both the elevated southbound and northbound sections of I-95 to ensure public safety and facilitate the subsequent reconstruction efforts.
"We are here to help with funding, technical expertise and anything else needed to rebuild quickly," Buttigieg said in a Twitter post June 13. "Emergency relief funds have been made available for immediate engineering and construction and we have staff on the ground."
During a briefing held June 13, Buttigieg addressed the incident from a mobile command center, according to the Action News report. Expressing concern over the far-reaching consequences of the crash, Buttigieg emphasized its significant disruption to both commuters and the transportation of goods along the vital I-95 corridor.
Recognizing its crucial role as a major thoroughfare for people and cargo, he stressed the urgency of restoring the route promptly, Action News said. However, Buttigieg emphasized safety takes precedence over speed in the restoration process, underlining the importance of ensuring that the reconstruction efforts prioritize the well-being and security of all those involved.
