Commercial vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from traveling on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, Penn., for security purposes during the Democratic National Convention, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced.

Interstate 95 between Exit 13 and Exit 22 will be off limits to large commercial vehicles from July 23 at 12:00 p.m. until midday on July 29.

"The rerouting of commercial vehicles off I-95 is associated with the security for the Democratic National Convention," said Leslie S. Richards, PennDOT secretary. "PennDOT and regional transportation partners will utilize a combination of electronic message boards and stationary signs to guide commercial truck drivers along alternate routes during this temporary restriction.”

Drivers are being urged to travel on interstate highways outside of the Philadelphia region if possible during the convention to avoid being diverted off of Interstate 95.

Among the types of commercial vehicles to be restricted from the area during the convention are delivery trucks, utility vehicles, parcel trucks, small dump trucks, buses, flatbed and stake trucks, refrigerated and box trucks, large delivery trucks, refuse trucks, cement mixers, buses and all tractor trailer combinations.

All interstate highways and expressways in the Philadelphia region will remain open to passenger vehicles throughout the convention. 

PennDOT said it is working closely with regional transportation partners to coordinate travel-related messaging and the use of electronic message signs to inform commercial drivers and travelers of I-95 travel restrictions in Philadelphia during the event.

Messages will be posted on 109 permanent and portable electronic message signs beginning July 16, and continuing throughout the week of the convention.

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