Travel restrictions set ahead of pope’s Philadelphia visit
PHILADELPHIA – Travel restrictions and security zones are going into effect ahead of Pope Francis’ weekend visit to Philadelphia.
A vehicle-free perimeter starts at 10 p.m. Thursday as crews build security fencing and metal detectors around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where Francis’ two biggest events will be held.
Three exits on the cross-city Vine Street Expressway will also close Thursday night.
Additional closures take effect Friday.
Vehicles can’t enter a nearly 5-square-mile “traffic box” beginning 6 p.m. Friday. Driving is permitted within the zone, but cars won’t be let back in after leaving.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Vine Street Expressway, long stretches of Interstate 76 and part of U.S. Route 1 near the seminary where Francis is staying will close at 10 p.m. Friday.
Roads are expected to reopen by Monday.