West Philly drivers beware: University Avenue will become single laned in each direction starting next week. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will begin a project on Monday, Aug. 17, that will repair the bridge that carries University Avenue over the Schuylkill River in Phi ladelphia. Built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1985, the University Avenue Bridge carries more than 36,000 vehicles per day. As of August 2026, the bridge has been listed in poor condition. The repairs are part of a $16.2 million project repairing 14 bridges across Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. The lane closures will continue until Dec. 15, 2026, with one lane available northbound (eastside) and southbound (westside) between Grays Ferry Avenue and the Interstate 76 East off-ramp. When the northbound repair work is completed, traffic will be shifted onto the northbound lanes, while crews repair the southbound lanes. Pedestrians will have access to the road at all times during this period. This project will repair the bridge’s steel stringers, floor beams, and diaphragms. Contractors will also clean the operator towers along the bridge’s northbound lanes, sealing and fortifying them, and installing fencing to reduce vandalism. PennDOT recommends drivers allow for extra time while traveling, as delays and backups are expected. ...read more read less