A recent rainy weekend threatened to cause a delay in the reopening of a collapsed section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. However, officials were not willing to let the weather halt their plans. They came up with a creative solution by calling in reinforcements in the form of a giant jet dryer from a nearby race track, Pocono Raceway. This unique piece of equipment, which is typically used to prevent wet tracks during races, consists of a modified helicopter turbine attached to the back of a Chevy Silverado.
The decision to bring in the jet dryer was made by PA Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, who had previously worked with racetrack officials during his time in office in the area. Carroll was familiar with the unpredictable weather conditions that often accompanied race events at the track and knew that the raceway had the tools and ability to dry asphalt efficiently. Ricky Durst, the senior marketing director at Pocono Raceway, spoke highly of Carroll, saying, “We’ve known Mr. Carroll for a number of years… He knew the raceway well… and knows that we have the ability and the tools to dry asphalt.” As an added measure, the track also sent a Chevy Camaro pace car to the scene, though its specific role in the asphalt drying process remains unclear.
Fortunately, the paving work on the six-lane segment that would reconnect the collapsed section of the highway was completed by workers the previous night, bringing them one step closer to the planned weekend reopening. With the jet dryer’s arrival, PA Governor Josh Shapiro can breathe a sigh of relief, as he confidently declared, “I can confidently state right here, right now, that traffic will be flowing here on I-95 this weekend… We have completed every phase of this project safely and way ahead of schedule.” The collapse of the overpass occurred when a tanker truck exploded in flames underneath, resulting in the tragic death of the driver and the closure of the highway for an entire workweek.
While the authorities and workers focused on getting the highway reopened, one Twitch streamer saw an opportunity to add a touch of fun and engagement to the situation. Brent Schooley, a Philadelphia-based software developer and Twitch streamer, started broadcasting a live view of the reconstruction work on his channel called “FIX THAT JAWN!” Schooley, accompanied by LoFi beats, created a chatroom-like atmosphere for viewers to engage and share memes while checking in on the progress. Some speculated that Schooley’s stream was part of a clever youth-outreach move orchestrated by the Governor’s PR team. However, Manuel Bonder, press secretary for Gov. Shapiro, clarified that the project emerged organically, stating, “It’s another example of how this has truly taken a life of its own.”
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As the reopening of Interstate 95 approaches, the joint efforts of officials, workers, and the involvement of Pocono Raceway’s jet dryer have proven successful. The use of innovative solutions, such as the modified helicopter turbine, demonstrates the adaptability and resourcefulness of those involved in managing the road infrastructure. This collaborative and creative approach serves as a testament to the determination to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of commuters on one of the busiest highways in Philadelphia.
