Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer
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PennDOT is getting started this week on removing graffiti from Philadelphia's gateways ahead of this summer's packed lineup of events.
Why it matters: State and city officials are completing an $11.5 million project to beautify Philly — and shake its "Filthadelphia" reputation — before thousands of visitors arrive.
State of play: PennDOT is timing its highway cleanup close to major summer events, including next month's World Cup, to reduce the chances those corridors are retagged before the international spotlight turns to Philly.
- The state agency is focusing on stretches of I-95 before expanding to I-76 and the Vine Street Expressway (I-676) through the early part of the summer, spokesperson Brad Rudolph tells Axios.
- PennDOT is spending about $45,000 on its latest graffiti-removal deployment, tapping contractor Alpha Drones USA.
The big picture: The city has already been sending crews to repaint walls, overpasses and on-ramps across Philly as part of the beautification project, while also picking up litter and adding plants and green spaces.
- The work — slated to wrap up by the end of the month — targets seven of the city's most visible corridors, including stretches of I-76 and I-676, the South Street Bridge and 30th Street Station.
- Rudolph said that the graffiti removal completed so far has been coordinated by the city's Community Life Improvement Program.
What they're saying: Philadelphia officials declined to provide a progress update on the initiative.
- City spokesperson Keisha McCarty tells Axios more details will be shared at an upcoming news conference tied to the unveiling of a new 250th anniversary-themed mural near I-76 and Spring Garden Street.
- "This is about Philadelphia remembering who we are and getting our own house in order and making sure that it stays in order," Mayor Cherelle Parker said when the beautification project was first announced.
The intrigue: A recent paint job is drawing backlash.
- The repainting of the historic 100 Steps granite stairwell near Roxborough was widely panned online, with commenters calling it "hideous" and a "travesty."
- The city didn't confirm whether it was behind the repainting.
Context: Despite being viewed by some as a costly nuisance that is difficult to remove, graffiti has long been part of Philadelphia's cultural identity, popularized decades ago by street artists like Cornbread.
- The Parker administration is tackling graffiti as a quality-of-life issue. Last year, the city removed graffiti from more than 143,000 properties and street fixtures.
What we're watching: Whether the newly cleaned-up areas remain untagged throughout the summer.