I mentioned a while ago that the concrete barriers in and around Phoenix/Scottsdale are pretty darned gorgeous. Sally & Alan, visiting us in AZ, challenged me to post some photos so today we tried to get some. It's not easy when you are whizzing by at 70mph (not kph!) and we didn't get some of our very favourites, but here's a sample. It doesn't solve world peace or even make sense the crazy Republican primaries, but it makes for a very attractive commute.The detail is astonishing. For instance, driving down AZ51 South, the mesh barriers on the overhead roads reflect either the mountains in the distance or the the patterns on the side walls. Astonishing isn't too strong a word to describe the designs and, moreover, the political will and money that is going into making really beautiful concrete sound barriers as well as jobs. And there is no graffiti. It's impressive.
2 comments:
This reminds me of the animal crossings over the highway around Banff - they look like regular overpasses, but they're full of trees and other vegetation, and provide a safe corridor for deer, bears and other animals to cross the highway (which is deer-fenced the entire way). They're beautiful, too - you look up expecting concrete and railings and instead there is a little forest passing overhead!
I love your travelogues - thanks for posting!
Jeanie, you're a gem! We have told everyone about the barriers and highway art but it's hard to comprehend how REALLY different this is from what we might see here. Coming into Detroit on Saturday night we ruefully remarked on the terrible roads, the huge lighted billboards and the grime everywhere. What a contrast to Scottsdale but, of course, there is a difference in politics, in economy and in climate! A great blog. Thanks!
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