PennDOT to hold series of meetings about I-95 sound walls

PennDOT is holding a series of public meetings about sound walls, aimed at helping those who live near the I-95 / Girard Avenue Interchange project determine whether or not they want sound walls for their neighborhoods, and if they do, what those walls should look like.

At meetings on June 8 and June 15, PennDOT will summarize the results of a noise abatement study and present information about sound walls. Residents will also have an opportunity to discuss noise-related matters with the project team. The June 8th meeting, which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 701 East Gaul Street, is geared to residents who live in the project area, north of Frankford Avenue. The June 15th meeting, also set for 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the same church, is for those who live south of Frankford.

Notices of these meetings have been sent to all households near the highway, but these first meetings are open to anyone who is interested.

Later in June, PennDOT will hold a meeting for residents who live between Frankford Avenue and Palmer Street – where construction work will begin next year –  to select sound wall options. This meeting is open only to people who live close enough to the project to have received notices.   At this meeting, residents will vote on whether they want sound walls, and if so, what they should look like. Residents will have to provide proof of residence to show they live within the project area and are eligible to vote.

Similar sound wall selection meetings for later construction phases – from Palmer to Ann streets and from Race to Frankford streets – will be scheduled as these sections near construction.

Reach the reporter at kgates@planphilly.com.