Interstate 95 (I-95) follows a route that correlates with the Fall Line in the Eastern United States due to several historical and geographical factors:
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Historical Settlements: The Fall Line is a geologic boundary where the hard rocks of the Appalachian Mountains meet the softer sediments of the Coastal Plain. This transition created natural obstacles like waterfalls and rapids, which historically influenced the locations of cities. Many urban centers, including those along I-95, were established at these points for trade, transportation, and water power. Cities like Richmond, VA, and Philadelphia, PA, developed along these points, which are easily accessible by roads.
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Transportation Infrastructure: Before the advent of the automobile, many railroads were built along paths that facilitated transport around these natural barriers. As railroads followed the Fall Line, they laid the groundwork for future roadways. When the interstate system was developed, planners took into consideration existing infrastructure, opting for routes that would leverage already established travel corridors.
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Topography and Construction: The Fall Line consists of areas where the landscape is relatively flat and more suitable for road construction compared to the rugged terrain typical of the mountains to the west. This made it easier to build a highway that connects key urban centers without excessive grading or engineering challenges.
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Economic Connectivity: By connecting cities along the Fall Line, I-95 enhances economic interactions between urban areas. Major hubs of commerce and culture are linked, providing a vital corridor for trade and travel along the East Coast.
In summary, I-95 follows the Fall Line due to historical city development patterns, existing transportation infrastructure, favorable topography for road construction, and to promote economic connectivity among major urban centers.