Philadelphia sports fans' favorite costumed characters helped re-open highway

On June 11, "a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline ... overturned" and the crash "caused ... gasoline to leak into the roadway and catch fire," resulting in the bridge collapse, according to FOX29 Philadelphia.

The city's re-opening plans were temporarily impacted by rain on Thursday, prompting officials to reach out to NASCAR for assistance. Pocono Raceway stepped up and brought a jet dryer used to keep tracks dry and helped keep the rebuild on schedule.

Governor Josh Shapiro said Friday morning that he'd driven over the road and I-95 would re-open to traffic at noon.

Among the Philly mascots making the big crossing were Franklin the Dog of the NBA's 76ers, Gritty of the NHL's Flyers, Phang of the MLS's Union, the Phillie Phanatic of MLB's Phillies and Swoop of the NFL's Eagles.

When the Sixers fell in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics in May, it wrapped up a painfully close all-time sports year for Philadelphia.

In early November, the Union fell to Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup in crushing fashion, losing 3-0 in penalty kicks. Hours after the soccer team's defeat, the Phillie Phanatic joined Phang in sorrow, as the local nine dropped their third straight contest to the Houston Astros, finishing their six-game World Series loss.

After the Eagles dominated the league in their regular season and made it to Super Bowl LVII, they faced Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The MVP signal-caller guided the Chiefs to a second-half comeback in the big game as Kansas City won their second championship in four seasons.

Gritty didn't have to worry about playoff shortcomings this season, however, as the Flyers finished their 2022-23 campaign with the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference at 31-38-13 (75 points).