The Interstate 95 Interactive Archaeology Report
Learn about archaeological discoveries from the Northern Liberties, Kensington-Fishtown, and Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia using this cutting edge, interactive, digital report.
This report takes an innovative approach in how Philadelphia’s waterfront archaeological discoveries are shared with members of the public and the archaeological community alike. By making use of the latest smart technology, visitors can search through and explore this information as they please via their computers or any web-enabled hand-held device. What you will find here includes images, 3-D reconstructions, and information about individual artifacts; photos and videos of site excavations; historic research about these neighborhoods; stories about the diverse people who made the riverfront their home over the past 5,000 or more years; detailed reports of discoveries from individual archaeological sites; and artifact databases that can be used for further research.
This report was created by archaeologists from the engineering, design, and construction firm of URS Corporation (Burlington NJ). The report (still in preparation) is being prepared for the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The archaeological sites and artifacts discussed here were uncovered during archaeological excavations conducted in advance of construction to improve Interstate 95. PennDOT and FHWA are undertaking a long-term, multi-phase project to improve and rebuild I-95 in Pennsylvania. Part of this project involves the improvement of approximately three miles of the highway between I-676 and Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia, and includes the reconstruction of the Girard Avenue Interchange, widening of the overhead highway, installation of new utilities and landscaping, and improving access to the Delaware Waterfront.
Like most archaeological work in this country, investigations for the I-95 project are mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). This law requires archaeological investigations to be completed whenever construction projects receive Federal funding. The purpose of the NHPA is to preserve America’s past and allow time for archaeologists to research important sites before they are lost to construction.
Because archaeological investigations are still actively being conducted throughout the I-95 project area, this report represents a work in progress. As new discoveries are made, and new information is revealed over the next few years, this report will be updated and expanded.
Read the report here…
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