(This article was updated with information on train, bridge and bus routes on Tuesday, Sept. 10.)
The presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris happens Tuesday at 9 p.m., but the hefty security measures and road closures around the National Constitution Center that will come with it have already begun. And things will get worse before they get better Wednesday morning.
The day arrived with a few surprises. The City closed its offices in Center City at noon on Tuesday. Also, the eastbound Ben Franklin Bridge, to New Jersey, was shut down much earlier than expected, in early afternoon (it was supposed to shut down around rush hour). Motorists seeking to get to New Jersey were diverted to the Betsy Ross and Walt Whitman bridges.
Here’s what you should know about ahead of debate night, according to the city.
Saturday-Monday
ABC’s trucks arrived earlier this week to start putting together the debate studio at the Constitution Center and led to the closure of some lanes near the building, but the real restrictions will start Saturday. About a mile of 8-foot-high, unclimbable fence will begin to be set up on Saturday (we know, we know, is this some sort of challenge to a city that loves to climb things?) and be completed over the weekend. Businesses within the security perimeter will need to excuse employees by 5 p.m. Monday, but vehicle and foot traffic will continue to flow normally until early Tuesday morning.
There may be lane closures around Independence Mall due to the event-related preparations over the weekend and Monday, increasing traffic in some places.
Tuesday-Wednesday
By early Tuesday morning, street closures will be in effect from Arch to Market streets, between 4th and 7th Streets, with Arch and Race streets completely closed off. The 6th Street exit of I-676 eastbound will also be closed. Cars and pedestrians will be allowed on 4th Street and Market Street. I-676 westbound is expected to remain open, but may close if deemed necessary. These closures will remain in effect until early Wednesday.
PennDOT announced that after midnight Wednesday morning 6th Street will be closed between Callowhill and Market streets and motorists taking the eastbound I-676 off ramp to 6th Street will only have access to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Traffic in both directions on I-95 will be directed to use the Betsy Ross Bridge or the Walt Whitman Bridge instead.
People who work in what city officials call the “secure zone” will need to pass through a checkpoint at 7th and Arch streets on Tuesday. Many businesses have told employees to work remotely, if possible, that day.
The eastbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge from I-676 into New Jersey will be shut down from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to PennDOT. As of now, the westbound lanes will remain open.
All SEPTA bus stops on Market Street between 5th to 7th streets in both directions will be skipped from early Tuesday morning to early Wednesday morning, due to fencing that will block the sidewalks. Several routes will be detoured in that same timeframe.
Westbound trains — those going to the 69th Street Transportation Center — on the Market-Frankford Line will not stop at the 5th Street Station. Trains headed east to Frankford Transportation Center will stop normally. SEPTA staff will be available to direct riders.
The full list of SEPTA changes will be available on the transit agency’s Alert & Advisory webpage and social media.
Further information about road closures will be published on the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department’s social media pages.
You can also sign up for free ReadyPhiladelphia alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777.
The debate will air on ABC and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. You can follow WHYY News’ 2024 elections coverage here.
