Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia has committed to a contribution of $2 million towards the construction of a new westbound on-ramp at Interstate 76 (I-76) and 7th Street within the vibrant Stadium District of Philadelphia. This agreement effectively settles a dispute that has lingered for over ten years between the casino, managed by the Baltimore-based Cordish Companies, and state officials.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has ratified a Consent Agreement with Stadium Casino RE, LLC, the parent company of Live! Philadelphia, during its meeting on Wednesday, July 22. The agreement mandates Live! Philadelphia to aid in financing the significant interstate infrastructure project.
This new on-ramp aims to enhance traffic flow in an area that often experiences heavy congestion during events involving the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers, and notable happenings at the casino.
At present, the nearest westbound I-76 on-ramp from Live! is situated at S. Broad Street. With the addition of the new on-ramp at 7th St., patrons exiting from the casino as well as from Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Xfinity Mobile Arena will benefit from more straightforward access to the interstate.
Commitment to Traffic Improvement
The successful bid by Cordish to establish a casino within Philadelphia’s city limits included an assurance from the gaming operator that they would collaborate with the Federal Highway Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) to create an I-76 on-ramp at 7th St.
The stipulations set forth by the PGCB on November 18, 2014, required the casino to “cover all costs related to the design and construction of a westbound I-76 on-ramp at 7th Street.”
In subsequent years, Live! Casino officials conducted a traffic assessment and engaged with transportation agencies, including the DRPA, which owned the property designated for the proposed ramp. During the casino’s relicensing hearing in 2019, Live! representatives notified the PGCB that the DRPA had withdrawn its support for the westbound on-ramp.
The PGCB renewed Cordish’s operating license and modified the 2014 agreement to enforce a minimum contribution of $1 million towards the I-76 on-ramp. The recent Consent Agreement has now increased Live!’s commitment, doubling it to $2 million, to be disbursed over the next five years. This funding will be sourced from the casino’s existing Community Benefits Program in equal annual payments of $400,000.
“This fulfills all traffic enhancement conditions related to Live! Philadelphia’s Category 2 Slot Machine License,” the Consent Agreement states.
In support of this project, the DRPA has transferred the required land for the on-ramp to PennDOT.
On-Ramp Specifications
PennDOT estimates the construction cost for the I-76 on-ramp at Live! Casino Philadelphia to be approximately $15 million. Construction is anticipated to commence shortly and is slated for completion in 2028.
Upon completion, the on-ramp is projected to accommodate around 800 vehicles per hour that would have otherwise utilized different westbound on-ramps.