Since I started driving in April of 2004, one of my favorite places to drive was I-95 South between Center City and the stadiums. In that ten minute span you got an interesting point of view of South Philly. You could see the streets, the tops of houses, the balconies, and the overall endearment that South Philly so naturally possesses. Philly has a reputation of being a tough, gritty, blue collar town and South Philly is the epitome of said reputation. I'm sure drivers from up and down the East coast enjoyed the view as well.
The view from I-95 North between the stadiums and Center City was spine tingling. The Philadelphia skyline never gets old. After living in London for three and half months, my first view of the skyline on that drive back from the airport was chilling. The hairs on the back of my neck were steadfast but my body was putty. Again, I'm sure any outsider enjoyed the view as well.
Both views are no more. Sound barriers have gone up on that portion of 95. I'm pissed. Both 95 North and South just became more boring than they already were. No more charming South Philly houses. No more captivating skyline. What this basically does is hide Philly. Sure, you can see the skyline from numerous other spots on 95, but that particular view, in my opinion, was the best. As far as a view of the neighborhoods go, brief glimpses of the Northeast are the weak replacements we are granted.
The reason for these barriers is a mystery. I walked the streets of South Philly both day and night. The noise was not overpowering or even notable for that matter. I'm sure some of you are saying, "Well, Dave, try living there. I'm sure the residents had trouble sleeping..."
Think again: http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/queen-village-bella-vista-hawthorne/13666-anyone-live-close-95-noise-question.html.
Enjoy that.
Another reason for the barriers could be protection. This too, would make no sense. Have you ever heard of a car going through the 3 ft. high cement barrier with a steel barricade on top and landing on the streets of South Philly. Neither have I.
I don't see the reason for it and I never will. I could probably just google the answer, but I want it to be a mystery because sometimes resentment is fun. Right?
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