Sir:
In response to the article you posted titled: “Nightmare on Schuylkill: A first-hand account.” I can tell you first hand exactly how awful that highway is. I’ve lived in the Philadelphia region my entire life, and from the earliest memories of driving on that highway as a passenger with my mom, I can remember her calling it the “Sure Kill”, but I was too young to understand why. Now I know and understand all too well.
Planning a Get Out of Dodge (G.O.O.D.) route in this area is extremely difficult, let me tell you. My current job has me on the road at all hours of the day and night, for a total of about 3,000+ miles per month, so I’ve gotten to understand the roads in my area very well. If you live in or around Philadelphia, and plan on “bugging out” when the time is right, you best plan accordingly, and way in advance.
First off, if you live in New Jersey, you need to get out while you can! Having examined all “escape” routes to any rural area is near impossible without having to cross the Delaware River at one point or another. You could go deeper into New Jersey and try roughing it in the Pine Barrens (a favorite camping spot of mine), but in a long term SHTF scenario, you’re as good gone trying to hide in that state park.
If you live inside the city limits of Philadelphia, I suggest moving south of the city. The only routes out of the city are backed up enough during the day, let alone rush hour, and let’s not even think about a panicked evacuation.
My suggestion is living off the beaten path, but still close enough to Philly to have a reasonable commute. To anyone interested living in the Philadelphia region, Oxford would be a wonderful location. Your average drive time into the city is about an hour, and you have direct access to Route 1.
The best thing about Oxford [Pennsylvania] however, is that you’re in Amish country. If TEOTWAWKI truly kicks into high gear, bartering and trading with your neighbors shouldn’t be any problem whatsoever. Most of them currently use the barter system. During the winter months, my brother in law plows their driveways, and they let us hunt on their land. That’s just one small example.
I hope this letter is helpful to any readers interested in the Philadelphia region. If I had my way, I’d live in Wyoming, but while I’m here, I welcome all to join me. This city really is a wonderful place. Just avoid the highways. 😉 Regards! – BDB
Greetings.
The Get Out of Dodge (G.O.O.D.) planned routes discussion reminded me of two examples that you had in [the novel] “Patriots”. Look at each secondary road now for possible “problem areas” before you need the escape. Are their any bridges that could be out (earthquake), any choke points ( kill zone) that you could be attacked from? when I drive to my relocation spot to work,plan,enjoy, I look at the roads to learn now all I can about possible future problems to be avoided. Thanks, – RE in Oklahoma