KaplunMarx – As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania residents, especially those in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Pittsburgh, should brace for significant road closures and anticipated traffic impacts due to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign events across the state on Monday, November 4. To help residents and commuters plan effectively, local officials are urging drivers to consider alternative routes and prepare for possible detours.
Harris Rally Brings Key Road Closures to Philadelphia, Allentown, and Pittsburgh
Harris is set to begin her Monday with a rally in Allentown, followed by an afternoon stop in Pittsburgh, and a high-profile evening event in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With thousands expected to attend each rally, local officials urge residents to be mindful of detours and potential delays, especially in Philadelphia, where traffic disruptions will be substantial.
Philadelphia’s Phased Road Closures Begin Ahead of Monday’s Rally
In Philadelphia, where Harris’s final rally will take place in front of the Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, city officials have issued a detailed schedule of phased road closures:
Phase 1 Closures (In effect since Friday, November 1)
- Eakins Oval between Kelly Drive and Spring Garden Street is closed and will remain off-limits through Tuesday evening, November 5.
Phase 2 Closures (Started on Saturday, November 2)
- Kelly Drive (inbound) from 25th Street to Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Kelly Drive.
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway (inner and outer lanes) between 22nd Street and 24th Street.
Phase 3 Closures (Beginning Monday, November 4, 5 a.m.) Starting early Monday, several major roads in Philadelphia’s Parkway area will be closed entirely:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to 25th Street.
- 19th Street between Arch Street and Callowhill Street.
- 20th Street between Arch Street and Vine Street.
- 21st Street between Winter Street and Hamilton Street.
- 22nd Street between Winter Street and Spring Garden Street.
- 23rd Street between Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue.
- Spring Garden Street Tunnel and Spring Garden Street Bridge.
- Kelly Drive between Fairmount Avenue and Eakins Oval.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between the Falls Bridge and Eakins Oval.
- I-676 westbound off-ramp at 22nd Street. (The I-676 eastbound off-ramp at 23rd Street will remain open.)
These closures will remain in place through Tuesday evening, November 5. For up-to-date information and any additional restrictions, residents can visit Philadelphia’s official road closure page.
Full Details: Philadelphia Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
To further reduce congestion and ensure safety around the event, parking restrictions will be enforced in the following locations:
- Pennsylvania Avenue between 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue (south side).
- Winter Street between 20th and 22nd Streets (both sides).
- 22nd Street between Winter Street and Spring Garden Street (both sides).
- Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street (both sides).
- Spring Garden Street between 22nd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
- Race Street between 19th Street and 20th Street.
Additional information on parking restrictions and traffic alerts for the Harris campaign’s rally can be found on the City of Philadelphia’s parking and traffic advisories.
Parking Restrictions Across Event Areas
In Allentown and Pittsburgh, similar, though shorter, closures are anticipated. While specific road restrictions for these events haven’t been outlined, city officials advise motorists to prepare for limited access and potential blockages around event sites.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays and Ensure Safe Travel
For those living in or commuting through affected areas, preemptive planning can help avoid the worst of the anticipated delays. Residents should review official road closure maps and check traffic updates frequently, as last-minute adjustments may occur due to crowd sizes and additional security needs. The City of Philadelphia encourages drivers to consider alternative routes, avoid the Parkway area, and use public transportation wherever possible.
For real-time traffic information, the city offers updates via ReadyPhiladelphia, where residents can subscribe to alerts for live updates on closures, detours, and parking adjustments. Additionally, local news stations and Philadelphia’s official website will provide continuous coverage to ensure drivers and pedestrians stay informed. With thousands of attendees expected at each rally, planning routes ahead of time is the best way to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid unnecessary congestion in these high-traffic zones.
