Drivers feel effects of Ben Franklin Parkway closure
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Disgruntled drivers sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic Saturday, a glimpse into what driving on Pennsylvania Avenue will be like from now until the pope's departure next Sunday.
"Taking a drive that should take 10 minutes, it's about a half-an-hour so far," said Brianna Schneider of Lansdale.
The outer lanes of the Ben Franklin Parkway were shut down Saturday as the final preparations are made for the pope's arrival.
The lane closures pushed traffic onto side streets and alternative routes, trying the patience of drivers.
"I think it's a mess. It's really inconvenient. I live right down the street from here. It's bad," said Desmond Anthony of North Philadelphia.
Anthony Johnson of Voorhees, New Jersey, said his lack of knowledge of the area made navigation through Center City a difficult task.
"You can see I literally have my GPS in my hand right now trying to course an alternate route. It's rather frustrating," said Johnson.
In preparation to clear cars out the secure zone, tow trucks are already on standby.
Towing will begin Sunday at 6 p.m. starting at the art museum to southeast beyond City Hall.
The trucks will be targeting vehicles that do not have the city-issued passes that allow drivers to park in city garages later in the week.
Some locals are taking the process in stride.
"I'll get out in time, and I'll take the train to work and back until Friday and work from home," said Tim Ross of Fairmount.
Others, not so much.
"It's hard enough to park here as it is, and now you have to move your car just because they are trying to prepare everything," said Aldo Calis of Fairmount.
If you're Meg McDonald of Fairmount, you're just happy you have parents in South Philadelphia who will let you park your car at their place during the pope's visit.
"Yes, I'm very fortunate," said McDonald.
