Road closures in effect near Philly's National Constitution Center ahead of presidential debate

Some roads near the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia are now closed this weekend and will stay closed leading up to Tuesday's presidential debate between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump.

Also, on Tuesday, ahead of the debate, at about noon, the Secret Service closed roads heading into New Jersey over the Ben Franklin Bridge.

NBC10

⚠️Ben Franklin Bridge Travel Advisory UPDATE:

All roads leading to the BFB for travel to NJ are *CLOSED* as the Secret Service has implemented the road closures for Presidential Debate. Motorists should use the Walt Whitman or Betsy Ross Bridges for to travel to NJ. pic.twitter.com/dNraP2DLHB

— Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) (@DRPA_PAandNJ) September 10, 2024

Westbound lanes remained open as of about 12:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

City officials announced a number of other lane closures and parking restrictions went into effect on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, and will be ongoing until the area is cleared on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Officials said there will be mass transit detours and closures for car and pedestrian traffic. There may even be rolling street closures.

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Road closures and parking restrictions:

Saturday, Sept. 7 through Monday, Sept. 9

• Increases in traffic are expected
• Temporary lane closures are in effect in the area near and around the National Constitution Center

Tuesday, Sept. 10 and Wednesday, Sept. 11

• Streets will be closed from Arch to Market streets between 4th and 7th streets.
• Car and pedestrian traffic will be allowed on 4th and Market streets.
• The 6th Street exit of Interstate 676 eastbound will be closed
• Interstate 676 should stay open but may close if necessary.
• Access to the eastbound lanes for the Ben Franklin Bridge from I-676 into New Jersey will close after rush hour on Tuesday. Westbound lanes will stay open.
• Arch and Race streets will remain closed during the event.
• These closures will stay in effect until the area is cleared on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Any employees who work inside the restricted zone can gain access through an entry point at 7th and Arch streets.

Drivers are being warned to expect any residual delays on the surrounding roads.

SEPTA detours due to presidential debate

Due to the road closures, SEPTA buses will not stop at Market Street stops from 5th to 7th streets in both directions.

The Market-Frankford Line (L) will stop at 5th Street Station but only on the east side, the west side will be closed.

For updates on how the debate will impact SEPTA, city leaders urge riders to check the agency's Alert and Advisory webpage as well as social media.

For more information on ongoing road closures throughout the city, residents can sign up for free alerts from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting "READYPHILA" to 888-777.

The debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will take place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10.