Pope Francis is nearly here after months of announcements being made, half of the announcements being revoked or changed, fake information leaks, delayed press conferences and more. While the official secure vehicle perimeter (or “pope zone” as we like to call it) just brushes the edge of the Riverwards, we’ll still almost certainly feel some of the effects of the Papal visit.

According to an email sent out by the NLNA, parking may be restricted in between Spring Garden and Callowhill, while Northern Liberties proper should remain unaffected by official closures. However, many people who live in Center City will likely park their car in Northern Liberties to keep it out of the no-entrance zone, making parking in the neighborhood much more difficult during the visit. The “pope zone” will be in effect from 10 PM Friday to early Monday morning.

There also may be increased traffic in the area due to people visiting the Shrine of St. John Neumann at St. Peter’s Church at 5th and Girard.

I-95 will be open although the Callowhill ramp will be closed. Expect heavy traffic on 95 and near the ramp on Girard.

The Spring Garden El stop will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. 2nd Street and Girard stop will be still be open. Many busses passing through Northern Liberties will have detours.

Trash and recycling pickups are cancelled so they should be held until next week.

While annoying, these inconveniences are nothing compared to some of the doomsday scenarios we’ve been presented with in the past few months. The best we can do at this point is sit back, relax and see what happens. Good luck Riverwards! We’ll be enjoying the same ride you are.