Feds: No mail service Pope weekend in eight zip codes

The U.S. Postal Service is suspending mail delivery and pickup in eight city zip codes on the Saturday of Pope Francis' visit.

Two federal agencies, the Social Security Administration and the IRS, said their Center City offices also will be affected on the Friday before the pope arrives, Sept. 25, and the Monday after he leaves, Sept. 28.

Postal officials said Friday that there will be no mail delivery for the following offices and zip codes: Main Office Delivery (19102, 19103, 19104), William Penn Annex (19106 and 19107), Fairmount Station (19130), and Spring Garden Station (19122 and 19123).

"We won't be able to get in there with vehicles or people on Saturday," said Ray Daiutolo Sr., Postal Service spokesman.

Daiutolo said blue mail collection boxes also will be removed temporarily from each of those zip code areas.

Also Friday, the Social Security Administration announced it would close on Sept. 25 and 28 the Social Security Card Center and the downtown office, both at 2 Penn Center, 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

In addition, the agency will limit hours for business not related to card services from 9 a.m. until noon Sept. 25 at these offices: Aramingo, Germantown, Nicetown, Northeast Philadelphia, University City, South Philadelphia, and Upper Darby.

Spokesman Richard Gaudiosi said officials expect those offices will reopen at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 28.

Earlier, the IRS said operations at its Taxpayer Assistance Center at 600 Arch St., would be closed on Sept. 25 and 28. The IRS directed taxpayers needing help those days to offices in Horsham, King of Prussia, or Media.

215-854-5506@juliaterruso