Just found my answer. Bridge is completely out for construction. Sounds like a no-go for my route!

I used to work near KOP (Wayne actually) for almost 3 years. At first, I took Kelly Drive and then hopped on 76, but a lot of times, it takes a long time during regular morning commute hours to get through the long line of traffic just to get onto the Schuykill. Then I started taking Girard all the down to Belmont, and then following Belmont across City Line until it hits 76. That lets you enter the Schuykill one exit closer to KOP. It's still not great, but it was a little more predictable.

Still, the commute stinks and you are going to hit traffic unless, as others point out, you leave very early in the morning. There really is no good alternative to the Schuykill unfortunately that I was able to find -- even the back roads, when open, are pretty slow going just due to their meandering paths.

If your destination in KOP is anywhere near the mall, you can take Belmont Ave. to Conshohocken State Road to Montgomery Ave. and basically follow Montgomery all the way out (it changes names at some point) to the intersection of Route 202 and the mall. This will reliably take 40-45 minutes from Fairmount, and you'll have stoplights to contend with, but at least you won't be parked in traffic, so it's a more pleasant experience than rush hour on the Schuylkill.

Coming back this route at evening rush can be slower going on the KOP end, though.

Lincoln Dr. works as an alternative but is slow. Every time I get on the Schuylkill it seems there is a traffic jam (thankfully I seldom need to use it). If you can easily move, wouldn't be a bad idea so you can avoid city wage tax. KOP seems to have lots of growth for other jobs also.

Its closed the whole length. you can drive in through hollow road and only get up to the boat docks. its barricaded at mill creek. Same thing if you come in on Waverly across the tracks...you can go only halfway through then you have to turn around to exit. and yes, it is until november.