The closure of Interstate 95 for two days caused huge traffic congestion for a two mile stretch. The north east corridor was ordered to close down for emergency repairs.

The closure affected both the northbound and the southbound lanes of the highway north of the city's central business district.

Gene Blaum, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman told the Associated Press, "Obviously we feel it could compromise the strength of that section of the highway.The section of the interstate carries about 190.000 vehicles a day, making the repair a major undertaking"

Mayor Michael Nutter told CBS3 News, "Obviously this is certainly not something that we would do unless it is absolutely necessary, to shut down the interstate, but it's going to be done. Two spans if Interstate 95 basically connect right on top of that column."

The stretch had developed several inches wide crack in the support pillar.

The I-95 was shut down after Monday midnight. Nutter said, "Fortunately it [the crack] was found, we're on top of it, and we're taking care of the situation, " reports AP.

PennDott is planning to build four steel towers to support the pillar so that it can be repaired properly. after the supports have been put up, the highway will be opened up for commuters.

Nutter told CBS News, "Our primary responsibility is to see that I-95 is safe."